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PLAN 

OP THE 

OCEAN GROVE CAMP GROUND, 

MONMOUTH CO., N. J. 



3> 



ITS ORIGIN AND PROGRESS, 



AS SHOWN IN 



THE ANNUAL REPORTS PRESENTED BY THE PRESIDENT, 



TO WHICH ARE ADDED 



OTHER PAPERS OF INTEREST, 



INCLUDING 



List of Lot-Holders, Charter, By-Laws, 

&c, &c. 



COMPILED BY 



Rev. E. H. STOKES. 



PUBLISHED BY OfjDER OF THE ASSOCIATION 

1874. 




FX ESS OF HADDOCK & SON, 
104 and 106 SOUTH EIGHTH STREET, 
PHILADELPHIA. 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE. 

Map of New Jersey 4 

Names of Members of Ocean Grove C. M. Association... 5 

Names of the Executive Committee 6 

Facts Important to be Remembered 7 

To the Reader 8 

Ocean Grove : Sketch of its Origin 9 

First Annual Report 13 

Second Annual Report 21 

Third Annual Report 27 

Fourth Annual Report 35 

Church of God, at Ocean Grove 43 

Osborn Cottage — Presentation Poem 47 

Night Scene at Ocean Grove 50 

Hays' Cottage — Nettie 52 

Ocean Grove — Its Air and Water 54 

The Boys. 56 

The Girls 57 

Boating >.. 58 

Healthfulness of Ocean Grove..... 58 

Bathing , 59 

Dr. Ward's Meetings 60 

Modern Eden 61 

With Jesus at the Sea.... ; 62 

Solomon at the Sea-Side 64 

Children at Qcean Grove 73 

Surf-Meetings at Ocean Grove ..73 

Amanda Smith at Ocean Grove 74 

After Camp-Meeting — Ocean Grove 77 

List of Lot and Cottage-Holders ". 78 

Charter 83 

By-Laws 86 

Map of Ocean Grove [See last leaf.] 

3 



NAMES OF THE MEMBERS 

OF 

Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association. 



Rev. E. H. STOKES, New Jersey. 

Rev. R. V. LAWRENCE,* New Jersey. 

Rev. GEO. HUGHES, New Jersey. 

Rev. W. B. OSBORN, New Jersey. 

D. H. BROWN, Esq., New York. 

Rev. J. S. INSKIP, New York. 

Rev. W. H. BOOLE, New York. 

Rev. BENJ. M. ADAMS, New York. 

Rev. ALFRED COOKMAN,* Pennsylvania. 

Rev. ADAM WALLACE, Pennsylvania. 

Rev. J. H, STOCKTON,- New Jersey. 

Rev. A. E. BALLARD, New Jersey. 

Rev. WILLIAM FRANKLIN, New Jersey. 

Rev. ROBT. J. ANDREWS, New Jersey. 

JOSEPH H. THORNLEY, Esq., Pennsylvania. 

GEORGE W. EVANS, Esq., Pennsylvania. 

CHRISTOPHER SICKLER, Esq., New Jersey. 

GEORGE FRANKLIN, Esq.,* New Jersey. 

SAM'L T. WILLIAMS, Esq., New Jersey. 

WILLIAM MANAHAN, Esq., New Jersey. 

JOHN MARTIN, Esq., New Jersey. 

GEO. W. CHEESEMAN, Esq., New York. 

Hon. JAMES BLACK, Pennsylvania. 

O. L. GARDNER, Esq., New York. 

GARDINER HOWLAND, Esq., New York. 

WILLIAM F. JORDAN, Esq., New York. 

Rev. J. H. ALDAY,f D. D., Pennsylvania. 

Rev. J. R. DANIELS, f New Jersey. 

Hon. J. L. HAYS,f New Jersey. 

*Deceased. fElected in place of deceased members. 

5 



EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, 



OCEAN GROVE CAMP-MEETING ASSOCIATION. 



Rev. E. H. STOKES, President, Camden, N. J. 

Rev. A. E. BALLARD, Vice President, Long Branch, N. J. 

GEO. W. EVANS, Esq., Secretary, Philadelphia, Pa. 

D. H. BROWN, Esq., Treasurer, 143 Bedford Avenue, ) 

Brooklyn, N. Y. j 

JOSEPH H. THORNLEY, Esq., Philadelphia, Pa. 
Rev. R. J. ANDREWS, Pemberton, N. J. 
Rev. A. WALLACE, Philadelphia, Pa. 
Hon. JAMES BLACK, Lancaster, Pa. 
Hon. JAS. L. HAYS, Newark, N. J. 
6 



FACTS IMPORTANT TO BE REMEMBERED. 



For all information, and business matters connected with Ocean Grove, 
communicate with Rev. H. B. Beegle, Ocean Grove, Monmouth co. N. J. 

The Association has a large number of first-class new tents, with flies, 
bunks, &c, which are erected to order, and can be rented by the week, 
or for the season, at reasonable rates. 

Cottages, erected by private individuals, in considerable numbers, can 
usually be rented for the season. 

Boarding houses are so multiplied that no fears of obtaining comforta- 
ble board and lodging need now be entertained. Price of board, $12 
per week, and upwards — or rooms can be rented, and meals taken at the 
restaurants. 

Every thing needed by house-keepers, either in furniture, provisions, 
or country produce, can be purchased at Ocean Grove as cheaply as else- 
where, without the trouble and cost of transportation. 

The water at Ocean Grove is superior, and inexhaustible. 

Stages for Ocean Grove connect at Long Branch and Squan, with all 
trains, until such times as the Rail Road shall be completed, when passen- 
gers will be landed a few hundred yards from the Camp-Meeting circle. 

Lots at Ocean Grove are leased for 99 years, subject to renewal with- 
out expense, if conditions are complied with. 

Lots are sold to Ministers at reduced rates. 

All the proceeds from the sale of lots, and other incomes at Ocean 
Grove, are devoted to the payment of lands, and the improvement of the 
same. The individual members of the Association receive no benefit 
whatever. 

There are many lots not yet taken, equal to any on the ground. 

Lots can not be occupied for purposes other than as Summer residences 
without the written consent of the Association. 

Cottages can not be occupied longer than from the 15 th of May to the 
last of October, without the written consent of the Association. 

Lots can not be transferred from one party to another without the writ- 
ten approval of the Association. 

Boating and bathing are prohibited during the hours of public worship, 
through the ten days allotted to the Camp-Meeting. 

Boating and bathing are prohibited at all hours on all Sabbath days. 

All games, amusements, &c, are prohibited on the congregational 
grounds inside the first circle of tents, or so near as to disturb worship. 

The gates at Ocean Grove are kept open on Saturday nights until n 
o'clock, up to which time all are welcome. They are then closed until 
Monday morning. 

(7) 



TO THE READER. 



The Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Grounds have had a remarkable 
growth. From a wilderness they have (in four years) in many places as- 
sumed the appearance of a garden, with a Summer population of from 
eight to ten thousand people. Many misapprehensions as to the facts of 
our history have prevailed — some of them so strange that it is surprising 
any should have entertained them. 

The Association could not always stop to explain the reasons for all its 
actions ; and if it had, the facts involved in the explanations, being made 
public, would perhaps have thrown additional obstacles in the way of suc- 
cess. It had, therefore, simply to toil on — often bearing censure, yet, 
conscious of integrity, toiling in hope. The time for. with- holding these 
facts is now past, and the assurance is felt that the statements made in the 
following pages will set many minds at rest. 

The Reports, as herein published, are as read by the President at each 
annual meeting, with the exception of certain omissions of details, for 
greater brevity in publication. It is thought that almost, if not quite, 
every question that has perplexed the reader's mind, will find an answer 
here, and, by following the reports from year to year, the development of 
the enteprize will be clearly seen. 

The Executive Committee and members of the Association have toiled 
in this enterprize from the beginning without fee or reward, upborne by 
the single fact that they believed they were doing a great work for God. 
We still ask the prayers and support of the good, of every name. 

Camden, N. J., June, 1874. 

(8) 



Sylvandale Cottage, 
Residence of Rev. E. H. Stokes, President 0. G. C. M. 
Cor. Lake Avenue and Wesley Place. 

Here in the shade "beside the quiet lake, 
In sight and sound of Ocean's silvery foam, 

The spirit, worn, can busy cares forsake, 
And nature, wearied, find a peaceful home. 

E. H. S. 



OCEAN GROVE 

SKETCH OF ITS ORIGIN. 



BY REV. E. H. STOKES, 
President of the Association. 



A brief outline of the history of the Ocean Grove enterprise, seems 
appropriate. Its origin was simply this : A few familiar friends, after 
protracted labors in the pastorate, felt that an annual respite of a few 
weeks from these toils, was an absolute necessity. But where, in connec- 
tion with congenial society, free from fashion and folly, at an expense 
within their means, could such rest be found ? This was a grave ques- 
tion, and for several years remained unanswered. The first crude thought 
was, is there not, somewhere along the sea, a convenient piace, where a 
few families of like mind, can pitch their tents, and for a little while in 
Summer, enjoy the sea- air, bathing, fishing, etc., having such social 
and religious exercises intermingled, as convenience and inclination 
might suggest ? An affirmative conviction seemed to rest on all. But it 
was a long time before the crude thought gathered sufficient strength to 
assume definite shape. Meanwhile, Rev. W. B. Osborn, whose interest 
in Camp-Meetings is generally known, traveling extensively through the 
State, and conversing with many persons on the subject, associated with 
this thought of a Summer resort for Ministers, a long cherished idea of a 
camp-meeting by the sea, and soon became greatly interested in the selec- 
tion of a proper place. In this work, the New Jersey coast, from Sandy 
Hook to Cape May, was thoroughly explored, and the grounds now occu- 
pied, six miles South of Long Branch, having a magnificent ocean front, 
with splendid grove, bounded North and South by fresh water lakes, with 
every other convenience needed, was selected as the best adapted to our 
wants. 

It was soon decided to purchase six acres of this land, lying in the 
grove immediately along the Northern lake, and, in this small compass, 
a few of us proposed, in the simplest and most unostentatious way, to as- 
semble from year to year, and enjoy our Summer rest in bathing, fishing, 
worshiping, or sauntering socially along the shore, free from the heavy 



IO 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



cares which we felt resting upon us, welcoming from the immediate neigh- 
borhood such as might choose to join us in our simple service by the 
sea. 

It was no speculation ; no scheme for money raising ; no device of any 
kind, but simply and singly, social, recreative, and religious, mainly — 
excepting the few neighbors who might desire to worship with us — for 
ourselves alone. The great world we did not seek, but rather shunned, 
following the Saviour's invitation, " Come apart into a desert (or quiet) 
place, and rest awhile." In this informal, social and religious way, eight 
or ten families met in the Summer of 1869. We gave ourselves up to rest, 
yet at the same time, two or three religious services of an intensely inter- 
esting character, were held each day. The grounds were solemnly conse- 
crated to the worship of Almighty God, with overwhelming and never-to- 
be-forgotten evidences of the Divine approval. Every one was delighted, 
and the rich communion enjoyed with God and nature along the ever 
sounding sea, was left with profound regrets. 

As our plans became known, others wished to unite with us, and we 
were earnestly desired so to extend our enterprise as to include all who 
sought similar relief from the heavy cares of professional or business life. 
Yielding to this request, in the Winter of 1869, an Association consisting 
of thirteen Ministers and thirteen laymen, was formed, and a charter ob- 
tained from the New Jersey Legislature, under the following title : " The 
Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church." The following paragraphs precede the charter : " Recognizing 
the truth and beauty of the Scripture declaration, ' The earth is the 
Lord's and the fullness thereof,' and being especially impressed with the 
propriety of having a portion of the land skirting the sea consecrated to 
sacred uses, we, whose names are hereunto annexed, with a single eye to 
the Divine glory, and in humble dependence upon our Heavenly Father's 
aid, do hereby solemnly covenant together, to use certain land, which 
has been providentially committed to our trust, for these high and holy 
purposes. And we further declare it to be our design, to keep these 
lands a perpetual oblation upon Christ's altar ; enjoining the same duty 
upon those who may succeed us. To this end we mutually pledge our 
Christian honor. " The By-Laws declare the objects of .the Association 
to be as follows: "To provide for the holding of Camp-Meetings of an 
elevated character, especially for the promotion of Christian holiness, 
rigidly excluding all forms of speculation, and to afford those who wish 
to spend a few days or weeks at the sea shore, an opportunity to do so at 
moderate cost, and free from the temptations to dissipation usually found 
at fashionable watering places." 



SKETCH OF ITS ORIGIN. 



Any surplus funds remaining to the corporation, after defraying the 
necessary expenses for improvements or otherwise, are to be devoted to 
such benevolent objects as may be determined by the Association at its 
regular meeting. 

From this time our enterprise assumed proportions not anticipated by 
any at its commencement, and from six acres has advanced to two hun- 
dred and thirty. This land, when originally purchased, was in many 
places overgrown with a tangled wildwood, while in others it was rough, 
unsightly and barren. To reduce it to its present condition, has been a 
very laborious and expensive work. Still, as the demand for lots exceeded 
our most sanguine expectations, we have gone forward, expending thus 
far more than all receipts, in payment for lands and permanent improve- 
ments thereon, and as funds continue to be received from the sale of lots 
and other sources, improvements for the general good will still be made. 
The grounds are laid out in beautiful avenues and parks. Some of these 
avenues, as they stretch across the open beach-land, are, at their com- 
mencement at the grove, two hundred feet wide, increasing in width as 
they approach the sea. The aggregate length of avenues now open is 
about five miles. . The number of lots already surveyed is about fifteen 
hundred, two-thirds of which are now sold. Over three hundred cotta- 
ges, some of them very beautiful, varying in cost from one hundred and 
fifty to over three thousand dollars, are already built, and many more will 
be erected the coming season. 

The Eastern front of our grounds, half a mile in extent, is bounded by 
the Atlantic Ocean, where the surf bathing is unsurpassed ; the West by 
a good turnpike, leading from Long Branch, six miles above, to Shark 
River, two miles below ; the North by Wesley and the South by Fletcher 
lake, both of which are fresh water, where the boating privileges are fine, 
and the bathing, for ladies and children who fear the surf, superb. The 
congregational grounds, where large, high toned, and successful Camp- 
Meetings have already been held, are just inside Sea-Drift Heights, in a 
delightful grove of thrifty young oaks, exactly five hundred yards from the 
open sea. 

Ocean Pathway, leading directly from the Preacher's stand to the surf, 
is a fine graveled walk, in the centre of a park, fifteen hundred feet long 
by two hundred feet wide at the grove, and widening to three hundred 
at the sea. Ocean Avenue, running parallel with and immediately along 
the sea front, is also several hundred feet wide. Cottages are now being 
built on both these thoroughfares, and when the grounds are completed 
as the plans require, will be the most magnificent avenues to be found. 



12 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



Superior water for drinking and general household purposes is every- 
where found, by means of tube pumps, at a depth of from fifteen to 
twenty-five feet, and the supply is inexhaustible. A number of buildings 
have been erected by the Association, for business and other purposes. 
Among these are a store for general merchandise and provision, also, a 
building used by the Association for post office, telegraph office, general 
news office, book store, etc. The Grove Cottage, just inside the gate, 
has been recently purchased by the Association, of Mr. Charles Rogers, 
raised, and otherwise improved, and will be kept open the year round for 
the accommodation of visitors. Ice houses, bathing houses, bathing lines, 
boats, etc., are provided, and will be multiplied as necessity demands. 

From this brief sketch it will be seen that our plans are vastly beyond 
original intentions. This enlargement has been pressed upon us. We 
have accepted the pressure as a providential call. The enlargement has 
involved a vast amount of care, anxiety and expense ; difficulties, too, have 
sometimes so accumulated as seemingly to obstruct our further progress, 
but toiling on in faith, God has many times marvellously opened our 
way. Efforts still are necessary to complete our plans, but, as we believe 
our work is of God, we shall toil, and pray, and wait. 

Camden, N. J., Feb., 1872. 





Residence of D. H. BROWN, Esq. 
Treasurer 0. G. C. M. A. 
Lake Ave. near Pilgrim Pathway. 

The toil of weary years has passed away, 
And here with competence and honor crowned, 

Parents and happy children sing their lay, 
Where ocean, lakes, and sylvan shade are found. 

E. H. S. 



FIRST ANNUAL REPORT 

OF THE 

President of Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association. 

September 13™, 1870. 



Dear Brethren : 

In making this, the first annual report of the Ocean Grove Camp- 
Meeting Association, allow me to congratulate you on the evident and 
unmistakable assurances of the Divine favor which have attended every 
step of our progress, and the gratifying success which has thus far crowned 
every effort. To God be praise. 

In carrying forward our work to its present condition, difficulties of 
varied and oftentimes perplexing character, have frequently been encoun- 
tered, and difficulties, too, which sometimes seemed entirely to obstruct 
our further progress, but in looking to God, these difficulties have not 
only vanished, but oftentimes were overruled for the general good. 
When one door of success closed, another and broader almost imme- 
diately opened. 

As one of the first items of information necessary to be laid before you, 
I herewith submit, according to a resolution of a meeting of the Associa- 
tion, held on the ground, August 4th, a surveyed map of the grounds 
owned by the "Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association," with an ab- 
stract of titles. 

By a single glance at this map, it will be seen that the 230 acres, more 
or less, which this map covers, have been purchased from a number of 
different parties. The searching out of these parties, many of them living 
at remote points from each other, in most instances holding undivided 
interests, some minors, and some possessed of other disabilities, has in- 
volved an amount of patient labor which none but those fully deter- 
mined that the enterprise must not and should not fail, could possibly 
have accomplished. 

In some instances, too, such have been the complications of ownership, 
that the adjustment of interests, and perfection of titles, have been very 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



slow. But I believe all these complications are now overcome, or so 
nearly so as to make the final consummation an easy work. And I men- 
tion another fact in this connection, which I am sure will be gratifying, 
that in such cases where the Association is not prepared to liquidate all 
the claims against it, in the purchase of lands, our worthy. Treasurer pro- 
poses to give his personal note in payment for the same, thus leaving the 
land without incumbrance, a state of things very earnestly desired by 
many of those who have purchased lots. 

In order to secure as large a front on the turnpike as possible, six acres 
have- been purchased of Charles Rogers, which gives us the control along 
the public road, from the head of the lake, about three-eighths of a mile, 
in a Southerly direction. 

All the tract of land held by the Association, has been gone over by a 
careful and competent surveyor, and that part of the tract lying on the 
beach, outside of the grove, and that part of the grove lying North of the 
main line, have been laid out in lots, mainly 30 by 60 feet. 

On the 2 2d of December last, at a meeting of brethren composing the 
Association, held in the Trinity Church, Trenton, N. J., an organization 
was effected, and measures taken to secure an act of incorporation from 
the Legislature of New Jersey, which has been accomplished. 

A board of officers was elected at that meeting, with the undersigned 
as President. 

He immediately felt, in assuming the duties of the office, that a great 
work had been undertaken, and said that inasmuch as all the members 
of the Association had their callings, which absorbed their time, it was a 
necessity, in view of the magnitude of the enterprise, that the superin- 
tendence of the work upon the grounds should be the undivided business 
of some one person. So all felt. It was then proposed that if the servi- 
ces of Rev. W. B. Osborn could be secured from the New Jersey Con- 
ference, for this purpose, the Association would assume the responsibility 
of his support. But as the appointment of a Minister to the superinten- 
dence of a Camp-Meeting ground, would be out of the usual course, 
Bishop Simpson was corresponded with, who agreed to do whatever might 
be thought best, not inconsistent with ecclesiastical law and order. 

Upon further reflection, however, between the December meeting and 
the session of the Annual Conference, it was deemed more desirable, both 
for the financial relief of the Association, and the accommodation of 
Brother Osborn and his family, to seek his appointment to Ocean Grove, 
in connection with a small appointment adjacent, in the regular work. 
This was accordingly done, and the appointment stands on the printed 



FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. 



*5 



Minutes of the New Jersey Conference thus: Greenville and Ocean 
Grove, W. B. Osborn, with the understanding that he is to fill the Green- 
ville pulpit on the Sabbath throughout the year, but his time during the 
week, especially during the first six months, would be largely devoted to 
Ocean Grove. 

At a meeting of brethren of the Association, held at Long Branch 
during the session of the New Jersey Conference, it was decided that the 
members of the Association should meet on the 31st day of May, ensuing, 
for the purpose of selecting lots for their own use, and that on the first of 
June, the sale of the choice, to subscribers, of the one hundred lots, at 
$50 each, should be held. 

After the close of the conference at Long Branch, and the settlement 
of the Pastor at his new home at Greenville, the work of preparing the 
grounds, so as to make the most favorable impression on the minds of the 
Association, many of whom had never yet been present, and also on the 
minds of visitors, as they should come on the first of June, became active. 
It was a heavy work, and the time was short. It therefore became a ne- 
cessity to employ nearly or quite every man and team that sought em- 
ployment. Some of these were indifferent laborers, but they helped on 
a little, and it was thought best to have even their little help, rather than 
fail to have the work done, for a failure to have the work accomplished 
would have produced an unfavorable impression on the visitors' minds, 
and so in the end we should have lost in the sale of lots. We therefore 
went on doing the best we could, often chafed to the last extreme 
that we could do no better. 

The 31st of May came, and with it a number of the brethren of the 
Association. 

The history of our struggles to make such selections of lots for our- 
selves as would give satisfaction, is fresh in the minds of all, and need 
not be repeated. On the first of June, when the visitors came, the bid- 
ding for the choice of lots was spirited, and I think fully met the highest 
expectations. The aggregate of premiums amounted to about $1,500. 

From this time a favorable impression of our grounds went out, and 
although the price of lots immediately advanced from $50 to $75, without 
premium, the sale of lots from that time has been constant and rapid, so 
that up to date there have been, over and above the 104 lots held by the 
Association for their own personal use, an actual sale of 373 lots. 

After the sale of lots on the first of June, the great anxiety was, so to 
advance the work of improvement as to make the best possible impression, 
and to have the fullest accommodations possible for the Camp-Meeting to 
commence on the 26th of July. 



l6 OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 

This anxiety was natural, for we knew not only that thousands of dol- 
lars were involved, but that the eyes of the Methodist community, far 
and near, were upon us, and that in some quarters considerable prejudice 
to our enterprise was cherished. But the work of opening avenues, grad- 
ing, building, etc., went on. 

The following enumeration will give -some idea of the magnitude of the 
work accomplished, and yet no enumeration will enable those who did 
not observe the work in its various stages of progress, fully to compre- 
hend its tediousness and extent : 

From Main Avenue to the lake, and between the turnpike and the 
sea, North, about forty thousand trees have been trimmed, thousands of 
dead trees cut down, the whole ground gone over with a brush- hook, 
cleared and cleaned, while hundreds of loads of brush thus cut have 
been carted out and burned upon the clearings. Main Avenue, from the 
turnpike to the surf, which is 60 feet wide, and nearly three-fourths of a 
mile in length, had to be opened through a thicket where thousands of 
trees were to be cut down, roots taken out, and banks leveled, involving 
the removal of thousands of loads of sand, then graded, and the gravel 
for the turnpike hauled an average of a quarter of a mile, all of which 
now presents a beautiful highway to the sea. Large numbers of men 
and teams were engaged on this work for weeks. Ocean Pathway, 200 
feet wide at the head, and 300 feet wide at the foot, and 1500 feet long, 
has graded and graveled sidewalks, and a beautiful graveled highway 
through the centre, 10 feet wide, reaching directly to the surf. 

All the Avenues on the beach, from the grove to the surf, and from 
Wesley to Fletcher lakes, have graded and graveled foot-paths on either 
side, thus showing the lines of the avenues, and making delightful prom- 
enades in all directions. This arrangement has wonderfully promoted 
the sale of lots upon the beach. 

In the grove, the avenues are 40 feet wide, through the centre of which 
ways have been cut for foot-paths and the entrance of wagons and bag- 
gage. These ways, however, are not as smooth as they should be, and I 
would suggest that as soon as the funds will allow, the stumps be taken 
out, and the walks improved. The whole of the avenues, foot-ways, and 
openings on the ground, amount to little if any short of five miles. In 
the grove, on the South of the Main Avenue, about five acres of land have 
been cleared of underbrush, and an avenue opened to the hitching- 
grounds, where a stable, accommodating eighteen or twenty horses, with 
other conveniences, has been erected. 

In addition to the above work on the grounds proper, the following 
improvements have been made and property accumulated by the 



FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. 



Association : From 900 to 1,000 feet of picket fence, inclosing a part of 
the front of the grounds along the turnpike, seven feet high, with two 
large hand gates, and two large gates for teams, partly painted, are 
erected ; one frame building, 16 by 34, two stories high, used for book 
store, post office, and business office for Association, painted outside 
with two coats of paint ; the Preachers' Stand, a beautiful structure, 24 
by 24 feet, capable of seating 75 or more Ministers, octagon form, painted 
inside and out with two coats of paint, surmounted with cupola, which is 
occupied by a bell of fine tone, but too small for the purpose of calling 
that part of the congregation located at a distance. The lumber for seat- 
ing the congregation is of the best white pine, planed on both sides and 
edges, amounting to more than 24,000 feet, sufficient to seat a congrega- 
tion of 10,000 persons. There are also trusses, strongly made, to support 
these seats, and if all are properly cared for from year to year, will last 
almost a generation. 

There are flooring boards too, with joists to support them, sufficient 
for 125 tents, averaging 14 by 14 feet. 

In addition to the above, there are 75 bunks for beds, strongly made, 
which, together with the floor boards, were all rented during the meeting. 

We have also 10 boats, with chains and locks. These boats are from 

8 to 13 feet in length, which, although not ready for use until the meet- 
ing was half over, have nevertheless paid this year a good per centage on 
the original cost. At least as many more will be needed for next year's 
service. There are four bowers, capable of seating 1,000 persons, which 
are favorite resorts of all. 

Nine pumps, averaging in depth about 22 feet, supply the grounds 
with an abundance of pure cold water, the excellent character of which 
is a subject of universal remark. There are 16 settees 6 feet long, 

9 chairs, 1 table for pulpit, 1 walnut table with drawers for office, 1 pine 
table for office up stairs, 91 lamps of various sizes for lighting the grounds, 
stand, and stores. Two ranges of bathing houses, 40 feet long, divided 
into 20 private rooms, the use of which was granted to visitors gratui- 
tously during the meeting. A larger number should be erected next 
year, some of which should be free and some rented, as may be desired. 
A platform for passengers to land on, 50 feet long, 6 feet wide, 2^ high 
is also built. A rustic fence has been constructed from the gate to Sea 
Drift Heights, fully one-fourth of a mile in length. 

One ice house, with a capacity for 150 loads of ice, which was filled 
last Winter, and the contents sold this Summer for $150. 

One horse, wagon and harness, for the use of the Superintendent ; 6 
shovels, 4 buckets, 2 grubbing hoes, 1 wheelbarrow, 1 [grindstone, with 



1.8 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



fixtures, i water-cask, with fixtures for sprinkling avenues, i corporation 
seal, 500 lithograph maps of grounds, 4 brooms, 9 police hats, 18 police 
whistles, 12 police stars, 1 set of account books, between 300 and 400 
signs of avenues, pathways, gates, hitching grounds, warnings against 
trespassing, etc., with cedar posts to which they are. nailed, 1 water-tank 
12 feet long, 2 feet wide, 3 feet high, with cover. 

The Treasurer's report will show that in performing this amount of 
work, and in accumulating the property indicated, a large amount of 
money has been expended, larger than might be expected perhaps, from 
the following considerations, viz : not only has the work been heavy, and 
the purchases extended, but much of the work was pioneer work ; we had 
to walk in an untrodden path. Added to this, our lumber had to be 
carted with teams an average of 10 miles, at a busy season of the year, 
and in a neighborhood where all labor is high, because of our proximity 
to Long Branch and the fishing grounds. 

In addition to the above expenses, $500 of the capital stock of the 
' i Deal and Squan River Bridge Turnpike Company " has been taken, 
to aid in making the road, so as to facilitate travel to our grounds. 
There has also been a heavy amount of printing, in the form of circulars, 
advertising, etc., together with a large number of incidental expenses. 

The first Camp-Meeting held on these grounds, commenced on Tues- 
day, July 26th, and closed on Friday night, August 5th, 1870. It was 
well attended, the weather was delightful, the order perfect, and the 
influence, from its inception to the close, heavenly and Divine. Sinners 
were converted, believers were sanctified, and all hearts were drawn nearer 
to God. 

The grounds were universally approved, and the numerous newspaper 
notices have been not only gratifying but generally highly flattering. 
But while we record these facts with devout gratitude to Almighty God, 
we feel solemnly impressed that great care must be exercised that devo- 
tion does not become formal, and spiritual interests degenerate to mere 
physical gratification. If our eyes keep single, Ocean Grove will be t)o 
thousands the very land of Beulah. 

To accommodate this meeting, tents of the Round Lake Camp-Meeting 
Association, numbering between 140 and 150, were hired, at an expense 
of $500, with the additional cost of transportation from Round Lake and 
back, together with the wages, traveling expenses and board of an over- 
seer sent with them. This arrangement, which seems costly, was not 
made until after considerable inquiry among tent-owners, and these were 
found to be the most advantageous terms that we could make. The 
Treasurer's report will probably show that with the heavy cost of trans- 



FIRST ANNUAL REPORT. 



19 



porting, and the expenses of the overseer, the rental of these tents did 
not any more than pay their cost, and if they did that they did well. If 
the Association is able, it should by all means purchase tents for its own 
use, before another meeting. 

The privilege of supplying the meeting with provisions, board, etc., 
was sold to different individuals for $520. Some improvements in 
supplying provisions will be needed, and can be made another year. 

Ice and wood were sold amounting to $160. For particulars, see 
Treasurer's report. 

A few suggestions must now close this already lengthy report. 

First. I suggest that as circumstances are now so changed, and we have 
reached a point where we can proceed with greater deliberation, that all 
future improvements, as far as practicable, be done by contract. 

Second. The importance of providing sleeping accommodations for 
visitors, Ministers and others. 

Third. The absolute need of a building for laundry purposes. 

Fourth. To authorize a change in the avenues terminating at the lake, 
so as to run them down the ravines, their natural outlets. 

Fifth. The opening of Evergreen Park into avenues and lots, running 
the avenues as the face of the ground would indicate, and not at right 
angles. 

Sixth. An advance in the price of lots. 
- Seventh. The propriety of paying the traveling expenses of the mem- 
bers of the Association, at all meetings for transacting business. 

Eighth. I respectfully suggest further, that inasmuch as the labors of 
our Superintendent, Rev. W. B. Osborn, for a number of months have 
been perplexingly arduous, and sufficient to completely exhaust one of 
less physical endurance, and inasmuch as his salary is not an equivalent 
for such services, would it be any more thau an act of simple justice for 
the Ocean Grove Association to cause to be erected on such lot or lots as 
he may select, a suitable cottage for his residence, to be donated to him, 
as a testimonial of our appreciation of the manner in which he has per- 
formed the work assigned him ? * 

Ninth. I suggest, also, that the gratitude of this Association is due to 
D. H. Brown, Esq., Treasurer, for the cheerful manner in which he has 
at all times, when called on, advanced money for the forwarding of our 
important works. 



* This suggestion, while it met the approval of the Association, was not adopted 
for want of funds. 



20 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



For all items of information not contained in this report, I respectfully 
refer to the several officers of the Association. 

With the expression of the belief that the future of Ocean Grove is 
most encouraging, I submit this as the first annual report of the Presi- 
dent of the same. 

Red Bank, Sept. 12th, 1870. E. H. STOKES, President. 





Lake View Cottage. 
Residence of J. H. Thornley, Esq., Lake Ave. near Wesley Place. 

Far from the noisy din of human strife, 
Where hurried feet dash through the mart of trade ; 

The merchant flees to breathe a purer life, 
Where Ocean's song blends with the forest shade. 

e. h. s. 



SECOND ANNUAL REPORT 

OF THE 

President of Ocean Grove Camp-Meenting Association, 

Sept. 12TH, 1871. 



To the Members of the Association : 

Deae Brethren : 

The Second year of our history is past. It has been 
a year of anxiety, care and success. The thoughtful will understand 
these terms. No enterprize can be conducted without care, and this is 
especially true where the magnitude of a work, such as this has assumed, 
is thrust upon its projectors with a suddenness which they did not fully 
anticipate. 

In the incipiency of our project, our plans were not extensive. But 
such has been the favor with which our efforts have been received, that 
the demands upon us have sometimes been beyond our immediate prepar- 
ation to supply. This want of preparation has not been the result of in- 
herent weakness, but grew out of not having full and timely information 
of the extent of the demands that would be made. 

It must be borne in mind, too, that it is only about eighteen months 
since work upon these grounds was commenced. Every thing was then in 
the roughest possible condition. In this period an amount of labor has 
been performed, which those who saw our grounds in their original state 
alone can appreciate. The extent of accommodations for the comfort of 
visitors, must be the outgrowth of experience. We learn to-day the 
wants of to-morrow, and, as we learn, can supply. Our accommodations 
this year were in advance of the past, and I feel justified in saying that 
the conveniences of the coming year will be vastly superior to those of 
the present. 

Some sixty cottages have been erected this year — all neat, and many 
costly and beautiful. A large number of others are in contemplation. — 
With the erection of these structures there is for a period of three or four 



22 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



months a somewhat settled population. This new state of things brings 
new phases of experience and wants. We can only adjust ourselves to 
these new conditions by patience and care. 

Last Spring, Rev. W. B. Osborne, who had from the beginning, with 
singular fidelity, superintended the work upon these grounds, felt it his 
duty to resign. This involved the appointment of a successor. The 
Rev. H. B. Beegle, a member of the New- Jersey Conference, was selec- 
ted. It is but justice to him to say, that in entering upon his duties he 
was embarrassed by want of experience in this particular work ; and oft- 
entimes that embarrassment was increased by the fact that Rev. Bro. Os- 
born, who in many things was the only source of information, was on 
the Pacific coast. Added to this, not being a member of the Association, 
he often hesitated to assume responsibility in the absence of positive au- 
thority, lest he should assume too much. These embarrassments, should 
he be continued, will not be experienced another year. 

The question of titles, to which I referred in my last report, has con- 
tinued to be, through all this year, one of increased anxiety and expense. 
I am most happy to state, however, that various interests which, a year 
ago, were not only not settled, but perplexing, have, during the present 
year, though at greatly advanced prices, been finally adjusted. We now 
believe that the end of these vexed and vexing questions is at hand. 

Among the deeply-felt embarrassments of our situation, another has 
been the need of railroad communications with our grounds. While the 
ride from Long Branch to Ocean Grove is only six miles, over a fine road, 
directly along the sea-shore, and through pleasant surroundings, yet the 
difficulties of conveying several thousand passengers, with their baggage, 
in so short a time, by means of stages, can not, under the best arrange- 
ments, be otherwise than great. This, we and our friends have felt ; so 
that, amongst the many questions asked concerning our enterprise, the 
one oftenest repeated is, " Will you have a railroad?" To answer this 
question, a meeting was held during our late Camp-Meeting. The rail- 
road authorities who were present pledged themselves to open a road and 
have it in running order by the middle of May, 1872, providing sufficient 
financial encouragement could be had. . Under these circumstances the 
Association felt that as the proceeds of the sale of lots were pledged to 
the improvement of these grounds, and there could scarcely be a greater 
or more needed improvement than a railroad, they could not do better 
than subscribe $10,000* to the stock of said road. Additional subscrip- 
tions, to the amount of $15,000, were made by lot-holders and friends, 



*$5,500 of this sum lias actually been paid ; tlie balance has not, because of embar- 
rassments in the management of the road. 



SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. 



23 



so that it is hoped and believed, with the aid which may yet be secured, 
this much-needed improvement will be made. 

As an Association, we should greatly prefer devoting the proceeds of 
our sales to the direct improvement of our grounds ; but as we were com- 
pelled, nearly two years ago, to subscribe #500 to the Turnpike Company, 
in order to secure a passable carriage-way to our grounds, so we have felt, 
if the question was understood* by our friends, that they would approve 
of this last subscription of $10,000 to the railroad, as their pleasant travel 
over a smooth turnpike must cause them to approve of our former one of 
$500, especially when it is remembered that neither turnpike or railroad 
could be built without our help. 

Passing from these embarrassments, it will be matter of gratitude to 
the Association to learn that the property of Charles Rogers, consisting 
of about 8 acres, lying just inside the gates-on Main Avenue, on which 
the " Grove Cottage" stands, has been purchased, subject to approval, 
and will hereafter belong to the Association. This purchase, though at a 
price which a few months ago would have been regarded fabulous, has 
been long felt as a necessity, in order to secure ourselves from annoy- 
ances which might arise in the event of its passing into other hands. 

The Executive Committee felt impelled by a sense of duty to the As- 
sociation, and also to lot-holders already located, to advance the price of 
lots from $100 to $150, and then to $250. This advanee grew out of 
the heavy demand for lots, the increased value of the property by each 
lot sold, and especially in view of large demands for unsettled land claims, 
and the extent of public improvements yet to be made. 

An additional survey of lots South of Main Avenue, has just been 
made, amounting to about one thousand in number, many of which are 
as desirable as any yet sold. 

In this survey Main Avenue has also been widened to seventy feet, 
making it a splendid highway to the sea. 

It may be well to state in this connection, that up to this date the 
expenditures of the Association for land, improvements, and general expenses, 
have steadily and continually been in advance of its receipts. None of the 
officers or members of the Association are paid for services, excepting the 
Superintendent. 

Our Camp-Meeting, which commenced August 8th, and concluded Au- 
gust 1 8th, was largely attended by Ministers, people, and the Divine 
blessing. Many souls were converted, and believers sanctified. The 
best order prevailed throughout. To God be all the glory. 



4 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



The following are some of the financial results of the Camp-Meeting : 

Paid for rent of tents, freight, etc., exclusive of labor in erect- 
ing and taking down, about $1,300 00 

Received for rent of tents, floors, bunks, and straw, about 2,650 00 
Privileges were rented for store, boarding-tents, stables, etc., 

amounting to . . 795 00 

The bookstore netted 26 05 

Twenty boats cost 400 00 

The bath houses belonging to the Association cost .... 400 00 

We paid to bathing masters 75 00 

The receipts for rental of bath-houses amounted to ... . 63 00 

Through some misapprehension, not more than half the bath-houses 
were rented, and many of these so late in the season that full prices could 
not be charged. 

The telegraph was in operation 22 days, from August 9th to Septem- 
ber 1 st. The receipts were less than the cost. 

The post office received mails from the 1 8th of June, but for want of a 
key to the mail-bags, no mails were made up until June 30th. From that 
time until September 1st, there were mailed 3,967 letters, and stamps can- 
celed to the amount of $117.19. During the same time about 5,000 let- 
ters were received. 

The following is an inventory of property, with its approximate value, 
belonging to the Association, apart from lands and avenue improvements : 

Office of the Association, $1,000 00 

Store, 1,200 00 

Preachers' Stand, 800 00 

Settees, 75 00 

Bible and Hymn Book, . 14 00 

House and lot, 1,200 00 

Lodging house 500 00 

Stable, . . . . . 100 00 

Outbuildings, 200 00 

Flag-staff and Flag, 250 00 

Lumber, ij»7oo 00 

Bunks, 450 00 

Fifty Tents, new, . , 1,660 00 

Tables, . 75 00 

Lamps, 600 00 

Chairs, . 100 00 

Office Clock, . 8 00 

Trusses, . . . v 200 00 

Tent-poles, 12 00 

Storehouse, 150 00 

Bath-houses, 400 00 

20 Boats, 400 00 



SECOND ANNUAL REPORT. 25 



15 Pumps, 500 OO 

Platform at landing . 50 00 

Fences, 700 00 

Ice-house, 100 00 

Signs and posts, . 150 00 

Benches, tables, stoves, etc., 175 00 

Horse and carriage, 225 00 

Telegraph poles, 70 00 

Turnpike Stock, 500 00 

Miscellaneous, . 100 00 

Safe, 150 00 



Total $13,724 00 



Having made these general statements, I desire to make a few sugges- 
tions, the importance of which I regard as absolute, and I earnestly hope 
means will be adopted for their earliest accomplishment. 

1st. A dam across the foot of Wesley Lake. 

2d. The grading and general ornamentation of Ocean Pathway. 

3d. The opening and grading of Ocean Avenue. 

4th. Sidewalks opened, graded and graveled along the line of lots on 
all the avenues in the grove. 

5th. The present bell in the Preachers' Stand to be displaced by one 
sufficiently large to be heard on all parts of our grounds. 

6th. Greatly increased facilities for lighting the grounds. 

7th. Increased facilities for lodging. 

8th. Increased accommodations at the store, either by enlarging the 
present building or erecting another, as much delay was experienced on 
the part of customers, for want of room. 

9th. An earnest recommendation to, if not a requirement of cottage 
owners, to adopt the earth closet, as a means of protection to themselves 
and others. 

10th. To require the Superintendent rigidly to enforce the rule that 
parties holding cottages shall not, without the written consent of the 
Association, permit such cottages to be occupied in any way excepting 
during the season from May 15th to the 30th of October. The reasona- 
bleness of this will be apparent to all. These cottages are light and com- 
bustible. To occupy them at other periods than those designated, will 
require more heat than safety, will allow. I most earnestly hope the 
order of the Association on this subject to the Superintendent will be 
absolute. 



26 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



nth. I would also recommend that immediate measures be taken to 
collect all money due the Association, from the sale of lots and other 
sources, that the needed improvements may go forward. 

Id conclusion, allow me to say, that notwithstanding all the labor, per- 
plexity and care which is entailed upon the Association in carrying on its 
work, the Divine blessing is evidently upon us, and so long as we rigidly 
adhere to the principles of our organization, and our eyes keep single to 
the Divine glory, the future of Ocean Grove cannot be otherwise than 
good. 

Thankful for the past and trustful for the future, I am, dear brethren, 
yours in Christ. 



E. H. STOKES, President. 




Cookman Cottage. 
Residence of the late Rev. Alfred Cookman, Lake Avenue, 
near Wesley Place. 



He sought for rest, and found it by the sea, 

Where proud ships sail, and winds so grandly sweep : 
AVhei-e glassy lakes lie slumbering on the lee. 

And dim old forests cast their shadows deep ; 
Here oft he sat, and with his friends conversed, 

And prayed, and sung of Jesus' precious blood — 
Full many a time the story he rehearsed, 

Then, " sweeping through the gates," passed up to God. 

E. H. S. 



THIRD ANNUAL REPORT 

OF THE 

President of Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association, 

October ioth, 1872. 



Dear Brethren: 

With devout thanksgiving to Almighty God for his unspeakable good- 
ness to us as an Associatiou, I present you this as my third annual re- 
port. But, with the jubilant notes of joy and victory upon our lips, there 
are mingled wailings of a deep and profound sorrow. 

Since our last annual meeting, death has made his first but terrible 
desolations among us. Three noble men, members of our Association, 
in the high-noon of their strength and usefulness, have been swept away. 
Alfred Cookman, Rulif V. Lawrence, and George Franklin. Men of 
different types of mind and positions, yet all highly important to us, and 
by us greatly missed and mourned. 

Alfred Cookman, while he assumed but few of the responsibilities, and 
seldom if ever engaged in the business activities of the Associatson, was, 
nevertheless, deeply interested in it, and by his many Christian virtues 
and widespread and commanding influence, was a tower of strength among 
us, which it will be difficult if not impossible to replace. 

Rulif Lawrence, the first and thus far the only Vice-President we have 
had, was all activity. He was quick to perceive, and as prompt to exe- 
cute, all that tended to promote the interests of Ocean Grove. Brain, 
and voice, and pen, and nerve, and muscle, were all laid a willing sacri- 
fice upon her altar, and he loved it to the end. 

George Franklin was a layman, and consequently less known, and the 
field of his influence more limited. Nevertheless, in his sphere he was 
none the less interested, or prompt in doing all that was assigned him. 
When Ocean Grove was a problem, George Franklin gave time and deep 

27 



28 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



attention to its interests, and when Brother Osborn knew not where to 
turn for help, or how in the beginning to get from Farmingdale to Ocean 
Grove, Franklin said, " Here are my horses and carriage, and I will go 
with you." And these things were repeated over and over again. 

Three noble men ! Ocean Grove owes a debt of gratitude to them all, 
and as the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance, while Ocean 
sings her endless song, or the ages of eternity roll, they shall not be for- 
gotten. May we who survive be admonished so to improve our time as 
when the Master calls we, too, may be ready. 

The question as to whether the places of these honored brethren shall 
be filled at this meeting, and if so, by whom, is one that should occupy 
your gravest consideration. 

With these remarks, let us proceed to a review of the operations of the 
Association for the past year. 

At the last annual meeting, it will be borne in mind that nearly every 
question raised as to plans and execution, was referred to the Executive 
Committee. 

Thus empowered, that Committee felt it had a great work to do, and 
set about its accomplishment to the best of its ability. It may be that in 
carrying out the directions given them, they have in some instances gone 
farther than the Association intended. If so, the error has been one of 
judgment, not of heart. 

In performing the work of the Association, the Committee have had 
» numerous meetings, some in Brooklyn, some in Trenton, others in Cam- 
den, Philadelphia, and a number at the Grove. 

The Secretary elected by the last Annual Meeting, Rev. W. H. Boole, 
of New York City, failing to attend the meetings, his place was, at the 
third session of the Committee, according to a provision of the By-Laws, 
declared vacant, and Rev. George Hughes was appointed in his stead. 

Rev. W. B. Osborn having removed to Florida, Rev. J. S. Inskip, 
living upon these grounds, was elected by the Committee to fill his place ; 
and lastly, Rev. R. V. Lawrence dying in mid-Summer, and Rev. W. B. 
Osborn returning to spend the season North, was selected to fill the place 
vacated by the death of Brother Lawrence. These are the changes the 
Committee has experienced during the year. 

The labors of the Committee have been heavy, but, heavy as these 
labors have been, the intensity of their anxieties have been, if possible, a 
hundred fold greater. 



THIRD ANNUAL REPORT. 



2 9 



The validity of our claim to the Brinley tract has been our greatest 
trouble, causing to all concerned a sea of anxiety, care and labor, and 
has proven, perhaps, a source of more unpleasantness than anything else 
which has existed since the commencement of our work. But when the 
history of this whole matter shall be read in the light of facts as they 
existed, it will be found that the best thing that could be, has been done. 
I greatly hope our worthy Treasurer, D. H. Brown, Esq., to whom, with 
others, this question has been one of sleepless solicitude, will be able to 
report at this meeting, even at so exhorbitant a price as has been de- 
manded, the consummation of this case, and that being done, we owe a 
debt of gratitude to him which words cannot express. 

What is the total number of acres included in the grounds belonging 
to the Ocean Grove Association? is a question frequently asked, and has 
been as frequently mis-stated. I have now to inform you officially that 
the exact measurement is 230 89-100 acres. 

The amount paid for this land by the Association, has also, for some 
cause or causes, been most strangely misrepresented. I am now able to 
settle this question in the following definite statement : 

The total cost of lands is $39,368.35, being an average of $170.51 per 
acre, to which, if we add the expenses incurred in perfecting titles, 
will bring the average cost to little if any short of $200 per acre. 

The payment of this large sum has been a heavy drain upon the Asso- 
ciation from the beginning, and is, in connection with other extended 
outlays, a sufficient explanation to the thoughtful, as to why the public 
improvements are not even greater than they are. 

We have introduced the gas-light, for our congregation grounds, at a 
cost of $1,000. 

Another work of necessity was the enlargement of the storehouse, 
which has been occupied for two years past by Jemmison Brothers, at a 
cost of about $1,300. It may be matter worthy of consideration in this 
connection, whether there is yet sufficient accommodations in the store 
line, for our growing population. If it should be thought advisable to 
multiply or increase these accommodations, there are those whom we 
might approve, who are ready and anxious to engage in the business. 

The staging operations have greatly perplexed us. There was a de- 
mand for a stage-line to run to and from Long Branch during the entire 
year. But for six months of the year the business would not pay, and in 
the absence of a regular line of stages, persons visiting the grounds during 
these months, had to pay for hacks at the Branch from $2 to $5 per trip, 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



allowing them to stay at the Grove sometimes but a single hour, or even 
less. 

This would not do. The way of relief was an important question. 
Finally, a contract was made with J. P. L. Tilton & Stiles, to run a line 
of stages between Long Branch and Ocean Grove, from the first of Feb- 
ruary, 1872, to the first of February, 1873, we assuring them, as far as 
possible, of the entire Summer travel, in order to remunerate them for 
losses during the Winter months, when the business would not pay. The 
fare during the non-paying months to be 75 cents a passage, and during 
the season proper, 60 cents. The contractors paying to the Association 
10 cents per passenger during the Summer months.* For further partic- 
ulars, see written contract. This, in view of the responsible character of 
the gentlemen with whom the contract was made, was regarded as a most 
gratifying arrangement. We had no trouble with outside parties, so long 
as the business did not pay. But when the travel increased, our trouble 
increased, until the outside opposition, encouraged, in too many instan- 
ces, I am sorry to say, by inside parties, became an unmitigated nuisance. 
But, as the motives of the Committee became better understood, and as 
it evinced its determination to protect the regular line in its business, the 
inside sympathy for the opposition measurably abated, and the whole 
thing died, finally, a somewhat stubborn natural death. 

Another act to which the Committee was impelled by the force of cir- 
cumstances, was the investment of a large amount of money in tent prop- 
erty. At the two previous Camp-Meetings we hired the tents of the 
Round Lake Association. This was found to be inconvenient, expensive 
and unsatisfactory. We therefore purchased, in July, 1871, fifty new 
tents, and during the Summer just past, one hundred more, of various 
sizes, mostly large, the smaller ones being little in demand. We also 
purchased of Rev. A. E. Ballard, forty-three second-hand tents, for six 
hundred dollars. The large tabernacle which was erected on Ocean Path- 
way, just outside of Sea Drift Heights, we purchased at second-hand, for 
four hundred and fifty dollars. The tent known as Dr. Ward's, cost 
$175.00, which he presents to us, to be held^ exclusively for religious pur- 
poses, for which he deserves, and I think ought to receive, the thanks of 
the Association. Including these last named, we have now 201 tents, 
which cost in the aggregate, without the flies for the second-hand tents, 
$7,795.00. And yet we had not sufficient to meet the demand. At least 
fifty additional, and if the funds will allow, one hundred more tents should 
be purchased for the meeting next year. I ask the Association to give 



* This 10 per cent, arrangement continued but this single year. 



THIRD ANNUAL REPORT. 



3* 



its opinion on this subject, and especially the importance of having at 
least two more large tents, similar in size to Dr. Ward's, for prayer- 
meeting purposes. 

The brethren of the Association have noticed the publication of two 
numbers of a paper called " The Ocean Grove" The origin of this pa- 
per was the felt need of more extended information of our grounds than 
could be given in an advertisement. Each number contained ten thou- 
sand in the edition. These have been very widely circulated, and, as we 
believe, have done more in calling attention to and awakening an interest 
in our grounds, than any other form of advertising to which we have 
resorted. 

I now call attention to the following facts and figures-: 
Item i. Post Office. — From July ist, 1871, to September 30th, 1872, 
there have been sent from this office 21,840 letters, and stamps have been 
canceled to the value of $927.18. Of letters received there have been 
no record kept, but it may be safely estimated at not less than 30,000. 

2. Telegraphing, 1872. — Gross receipts, . . . . . $292.77 

Paid W. U. T. Co., $200.33 

" Kennedy, 117.00 

" Other expenses, (operator,) . 4.00 321.33 

Deficiency, '28.50 

3. Amount received for privileges during the year 1872, $1,640.00 
Amount of rental for tents, floors, bunks and straw, 3,962.49 
Amount received from assessments, 1872, . . . 1,532.68 

Cost of superintendence from 1871 to 1872, $1,005.00 
Help in office during Summer of 1872, . 130.00 

4. Whole amount paid for labor since September 12, 187 1, embracing 
carting, clearing, grading, putting up and taking down tents, sexton, at- 
tending gate, gathering and carting away garbage, serving ice, surveying, 
taking care of team, serving as police, clearing out the lake, putting up 
and taking down bath-houses, clearing up tenting-ground, piling lumber, 
bunks and tables, moving, putting cellar under and papering and fixing 
Grove Cottage, grubbing out stumps and fixing about it, plowing, level- 
ing, and fixing Ocean Pathway, storing ice, etc., etc., . . $7,915.91 

5. Monies have also been expended during the past year for land, 
interest, lumber, brick, carpenter- work, painting, masonry, hay, feed, 
straw, fixing carriage, horse-shoeing, toll, photographic views, services of 
architect, counsel fees, oars, roofing, enlarging store, plank for crossings, 
pumps, expenses of members of Executive Committee, lamps, oil, gas 
arrangements, etc., for particulars of which see Treasurer's report. 



3 2 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



Inventory of property belonging to the Association, apart from land : 



Grove Cottage, . 
Store, .... 
Office of Association 
Stand, .... 
House and lot, . 
Barn, . . 
Stable, 

Lodging-house, . 
Flag-staff and flag, 
Lumber, 
Bunks, . 
Trusses, 
Tables, 
Lamps, 
Chairs, 
Settees, 
Clock, . 
Tents, . 
Outbuildings 
Summer-houses 
Tent-house, 
Tool-house, 
Gas-house, 
Bath-houses 
Pumps, 



$3,000.00 
3,000.00 



Boats, $600.00 



Oars, 75.00 

1,000.00 Row-locks, .... 10.00 

800.00 Tent-poles and posts, . 100.00 

1,500.00 Platform-landing, . . 30.00 

300.00 Fences, 700.00 

100.00 Ice-house, 700.00 

900.00 Bible and hymn book, . 14.00 

250.00 ! Signs, 200.00 

4,041.35 ! Benches, Stoves & tables, 100.00 

175.00 j Horses, . . . . . 500.00 
200.00 Wagon, cart, hack, harness, 

carriage, etc., . . . 500.00 

Telegraph poles, . . . 70.00 

Turnpike stock, . . . 500.00 

Corner posts, .... 100.00 

Safe and office furniture, 150.00 

Copying-press, ... 14.00 

Seal, 7.00 

Miscellaneous, . . . 200.00 

Gas, 1,000.00 

38 flies for tents, . . . 360.00 



75.00 
467,00 
30.00 
75.00 
8.00 
,745.00 
100.00 
150.00 
200.00 
50.00 
50.00 
300.00 
476.00 



Total, 



$3°>722-35 



The Camp- Meeting which was held this Summer, commencing on the 
20th of August and closing on the 30th of the same month, was more 
largely attended, and possessed greater spiritual interest and power than 
any previously held. Its results in converting and sanctifying influences 
were widespread, and beyond all calculation in this world. The preach- 
ing was of the highest order, and the people, from beginning to end, 
worked like men and women of God. The meetings in Dr. Ward's tent, 
and largely under his direction, commenced on the 14th of July, and 
continued without interruption daily until nearly the first of October, a 
period of about eleven weeks, and were seasons of great religious profit. 

The notices of our enterprise in the public papers, from correspondents 
and editors, have been very numerous, and generally of an encouraging 
and flattering character. 

Having made these statements, I wish now to call the attention of the 
Association to several matters which I conceive to be of importance in 
our future movements, and, beginning at the Stand, I think 

1. The Association should direct what plan shall be adopted to afford 
better shade to the congregation. Shall we bower, or put up a frame 



THIRD ANNUAL REPORT. 



33 



covering that will alike protect from sun, and rain — or what ? Some- 
thing, I think is a necessity. 

2. Avenues. — Sanitary considerations of the most absolute character 
demand that the avenues North of Main avenue, in the grove, which are 
40 feet wide, be so opened as to admit air and sun-light. We suggest 
that foot-walks, six feet wide, be cut along the line of lots on either side, 
then four feet left on either side for a line of trees, between foot-walk and 
road, then the road opened 20 feet wide. This should be done before 
another Summer, or serious results may follow. 

3. There is much complaint that teams and carriages coming on our 
grounds, drive over and cut our sidewalks to a fearful extent. I would 
recommend that an ordinance be passed, making such acts finable offen- 
ces, and that where our police fail to discover the transgressors, other 
persons informing shall be entitled to one-half the fine. Also, that tear- 
ing down sign-boards, or otherwise mutilating or injuring property, come 
under the same regulation. 

4. The business of the Association has so increased that I am satisfied 
that during the months of July, August, and September, the office work 
and that of the general superintendency of these grounds cannot be done 
by one and the same person. There must be a division of labor. What, 
will be for you to dictate. Furthermore, the post-office and telegraph 
office must be in rooms or buildings separate from that of the general 
business of the Association. The crowd and confusion are too great for 
an intelligent and satisfactory transaction of business while all remain to- 
gether. A change in this department, corresponding with our changed 
condition, is a necessity. 

5. Would it not be well to print and circulate among our property 
holders, a brief, clear, and comprehensive statement of our condition, 
prospects, policy of administration, etc., etc? There has been, as I be- 
lieve, a good deal of complaining on the part of our people, which, if facts 
were known as we know them, would not be made. 

I have thus made a number of suggestions, (several of these are omit- 
ted in this printed report.) To carry them out to their full extent will 
involve, I am aware, a heavy outlay. If, however, all cannot be done, 
will it hot be important to strike most of the points ? Make an appropri- 
ation of money to each, and go as far as we can. It will thus be more 
fully seen what we intend to do, and perhaps will go that far to meet rea- 
sonable expectations. 



34 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



I now commit you and the interests we represent to God, who thus far 
has so kindly led us on, praying that the unity of the Spirit, in the bonds 
of peace, may prevail in all our councils, and that God may be glorified 
in all we do. As ever, yours, 

E. H. STOKES, President. 

Camden, October 8th, 1872. 




Residence of Rev. G. HUGHES, 
Cor. Central & Sea View Aves. 



Here rests the herald of the "blessed cross, 
Here "by the cheerful sea new vigor gains ; 

Cleansed "by the "blood from sin's consuming dross, 
The cleanser's pow'r, with pow'r he still proclaims. 



FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT 

OF THE 

President of Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association, 

October 28th, 1873. 



To the Members of the Association : 
Dear Brethren : 

It is with emotions of profound gratitude to Almighty 
God, that I am permitted to come before you again, under such favorable 
circumstances, to present to you this my fourth annual report. 

The year just closed has been to the Association one of unexampled 
prosperity. A vast amount of labor has been performed by the Executive 
Committee in devising plans, by the Superintendent in the immediate 
supervision of the work, and by the men in the open field of operations, 
and yet, the whole, though vastly increased over other years, has been 
performed with less friction and difficulty, from the fact that each and 
all have better understood their duties, and the machinery, though ac- 
complishing more has had far less wear and tear. There is still room for 
improvement, however, and we trust increased familiarity will include 
increased acceptability. 

It will be remembered that the last Annual Meeting imposed a large 
amount of work upon the Executive Committee, and in some instances 
gave specific directions as to how that work should be performed. In 
reducing these directions to practical application, it was sometimes found 
there was a better way, and in such cases the committee had to assume 
responsibility, and while it kept in view the great end of the Association, 
had to change the mode of reaching that end, believing the Association 
would approve, if it were present, and saw things as we saw them. 

As will be seen, the avenues north of Main Avenue, have been cut out 
and generally improved. This meets with almost if not quite universal 
approbation. The sidewalks need grading and graveling, after which we 
shall be in pretty good condition in that section. Greenleaf Park, on 
New York Avenue, between Carmel and Tabor ways, has been improved 
and is greatly admired. 

With the exception of Main Avenue, Asbury Avenue has become one 

35 



36 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



of our greatest thoroughfares. This needs and must have grading and 
graveling. 

The banks of Wesley lake, from the turnpike to Pilgrim Pathway, have 
been mostly graded and sodded. Some of this, where it seemed to be a 
direct private as well as general public improvement, has been done by 
the property owners ; other portions by the Association. The whole, 
when completed, will make that sheet of water one of the greatest points 
of attraction, as it is now one of the chief places of pleasure, connected 
with our grounds. Sea Drift Heights have been cut through at several 
points. Ocean Pathway has been beautified. The post-office has been 
removed, the buildings enlarged, and the whole surroundings improved. 
The stabling grounds have been located, and private as well as Associa- 
tion stables erected thereon. Pilgrim Pathway has been opened nearly 
the whole length of our grounds South, and Carvosso lake nearly filled 
up. 

Evergreen Park has been laid out according to directions of the last 
annual meeting, and a number of lots sold at public sale. 

Ocean avenue and the Ocean front, between the Eastern boundary of 
the avenue and surf, from Embury avenue to Olin street, have been hand- 
somely graded and clayed. 

The turnpike along the entire Western boundary of our lands has been 
widened by cutting out trees, and a cheap fence placed along the same. 
A house for the residence of the Superintendent's family became a neces- 
sity, and the committee judged the time had come in our history when 
what we did should be done with a view to permanency, and so erected 
a substantial house on Main avenue, such as we think gives character to 
the locality and enhances the value of property there. 

Numerous new boarding houses have been erected during the year by 
private parties, and still there is a loud and urgent demand for a large, 
first-class establishment, the erection of which may be worth the careful 
consideration of this meeting. 

Fifty-seven new tents have been purchased this year, all of which, as 
will be seen, were rented, and more were in demand. 

One hundred and fifty park settees have been purchased of the Pitman 
Grove Camp-Meeting Association, and more will be procured before next 
Camp-Meeting, as per order of last annual meeting. 

The railroad question is still unsettled. The Association has in- 
vested $5,500 in bonds of Farmingdale and New Egypt Rail Road, as 
per order, which bonds are endorsed by the New Jersey Southern Rail 
Road Company, yet as Farmingdale and New Egypt failed to meet their 
obligations, New Jersey Southern claims exemption from theirs. 



FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. 



37 



The Treasurer's report will show the receipts of the Association to be 
much larger than any previous year of our history, and would have been 
still larger but for the unexpected money panic which has come so sud- 



denly upon us. 

The following facts are worthy of notice : 

LOTS. 

The number of lots sold during the past year is 231 

Whole number of lots sold up to date, 975 

These are owned by 586 different persons. 

POST OFFICE. 

Letters sent this year, 30,661 

" last " y . . 18,174 

Increase this year, 12,487 

TELEGRAPH. 

Messages sent from Ocean Grove, 1,121 

STAGES. 



Mr. Stiles estimates that 15,632 passengers were transported between 
Long Branch and the Grove during the season, and if we add those who 
came by way of Squan, and those from Long Branch of which he had 
no account, the whole number will fall little if any short of 25,000. 

WORK DONE. 

As a matter of interest to all, I make the following statement, showing 
the number of men and teams employed by the Association during each 
month of the year, the number of days' work performed by each, the 
cost per month, and the aggregate cost for the year for labor alone : 



October, 1872, 


MEN. 
IO 


DAYS. 
164 


TEAMS. 


DAYS. 


WAGES. 
#318.28 


November, 


• 17 


217^ 


3 


14 


408.0I 


December, 


• 25 


240^ 


9 


34 


574-86 


January, 1873, 


12 




1 


*/ 


248.25 


February, . . 


IO 


126 


2 




3OO.74 


March, . . . 


• 15 


205 


4 


43J( 


53^ 3 


April, . . . 


. 28 


452^ 


9 


67^ 


994.22 


May, . . . 


• 32 


523 


14 


174^ 


1,526.13 


June, . . . 


. 29 


477 


10 


180 1 / 
"3# 


1,562.51 


July, . . . 


• 34 


732 


6 


1,866.07 


August, . . . 


• 35 


692 


6 


*** 


1,826.83 


September, 


. 28 


463 


11 


138^ 


1,279.81 






4,43 2 ^ 




866^ 


#11,444.34 



\ 



The above work was mostly done in clearing avenues of trees, grading 
avenues, making sidewalks, graveling avenues and sidewalks, leveling 
Ocean Avenue, claying the same, leveling, clearing, ploughing, seeding, 



38 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



and beautifying Ocean Pathway, clearing up and graveling Lake Avenue, 
and grading and soding the lake front. A large amount of labor was also 
expended in putting up and taking down tents, taking care of lumber, 
filling Carvosso lake, cutting through Sea Drift Heights in Bath and Pitman 
Avenues and Olin street. These were the principal jobs engaged in. 
Main Avenue especially was graded and graveled from end to end, at a 
cost of about $1,000. 

The arrangement for clearing up and carting away the garbage, has 
about kept two men and one team busy for two months, and cost about 
$221.00. 

We have put in good condition about six thousand yards of sidewalks, 
and twice that amount should be fixed the coming year. 

INVENTORY OF PROPERTY. 

I now call your attention to an inventory of property belonging to 
Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association, made at my request by the Su- 
perintendent, October 16th, 1873. 



Buildings. 

VALUED AT 

Preaching Stand, . $1,000.00 

Store, 4,500.00 

Grove Cottage, . . 4,000.00 

Offices, 2,000.00 

Barns and wagon sheds, 2,000.00 
Summer-houses, . . 
Ice-house, * . 
Tent-house, . . . 
Oil-house, .... 
Platform and depot, . 
Cottage for foreman, 1 
Superintendent'shouse, 3 
Lodging-house, . 
Bath-houses, . . 
Out-buildings, 
217 tents, . . . 
600 tent-poles, . . 200.00 
Lumber, .... 4,162.43 
Gas-tubes and fixtures, 1,700.00 
Office furniture, . . 

Organ, 

Iron cots (4), . 
Settees, .... 
Two fire-extinguishers, 
Leveling instrument and 

appendages, . . 116.00 
Tools, 9 7- 00 



600.00 
600.00 
250.00 
300.00 
300.00 
500.00 
200.00 
700.00 
300.00 
1,600.00 
10,021.00 



777.00 
100.00 
25.00 
100.00 
100.00 



Teams, &c. 

Three horses, 
One hack, ... 
One carriage, . 
One double harness, 
Three single harness, 
One double farm wagon, 
One single farm wagon, 
One cart, 

One sled, . . . 
One hand -cart, 
One sprinkler, . 
Wood and coal, 
27 boats, . . 
21 pumps, . 
Flag-staff and flag, 
Bible and Hymn book 
Clock, 
135 lamps, 
Trusses, . 



500 signs, 
Fences, 

Telegraph poles, 
Turnpike stock, 
Wood-cuts, electrotypes, 

&c, 
Miscellaneous, 
Railroad bonds 



VALUED AT 
$500.00 
I50.00 
I25.OO 
50.00 
95.00 
75.00 
75.00 
30.00 
25.OO 

3S-oo 
100.00 
291.00 
600.00 
630.00 
250.00 
1 4. CO 

8.00 
540.00 
100.00 
150.00 
700.00 
70.00 
500.00 



200.00 
250.00 
500.00 



* Tliis building has been taken down and a new one erected at a cost of over $3,000. 



FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT. 



39 



RECAPITULATION. 

Buildings, . . #22,850.00 

Tents, . 10,021.00 

Lumber, ............. 4,162.43 

Gas apparatus, . . . 1,700.00 

Office furniture, . . . . . . • . . . 777-43 

Organ, 100.00 

Cots and settee beds, 50.00 

Settees,* 100.00 

Fire extinguisher, 100.00 

Tent-poles, 200.00 

Tools, . . . . . . . • • • • 97.00 

Teams, etc., 1,270.00 

Wood and coal, 291.00 

Items in the above enumeration, .... 4,012.00 

Railroad bonds, .......... 5,500.00 

Total, $51,231.36 

To the above is to be added the value of unsold lots, monies due the 
Association, and unsurveyed lands. 

treasurer's accounts. 
The Treasurer's books contain, of course, the receipts and expendi- 
tures of the Association in detail. These cannot be given here, but the 
following aggregates will be welcome to all. 

Whole amount of money received from all sources since the 
commencement of Ocean Grove enterprise to present 
time, $156,727.15 

Expended from beginning up to the present time, . . . 153,406.10 

Cash balance on hand, . . #3,3 2 1.05 

In notes, 2,830.00 

Total, #6,151. 25f 

It will also be matter of gratitude to know that during the year just 
closed, the following sums have been paid on land claims : 

Mrs. Brinley, balance in full, . . $13,025.00 
Charles Rogers, on mortgage, . . 1,700.00 
Charlotte Hubbard, on mortgage in full, 1,275.00 

Total paid on land claims this year, $16,000.00 



* These are over and above the 150 park settees for seating the ground. They were 
not on hand at the time this inventory was made. 

t Since the above was written, the whole balance has been exhausted in labor and 
current expenses, and yet the work of improvement goes steadily forward. 



4 o 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



Leaving yet to be paid on lands, the mortgage of Charles Rogers only, 
amounting to about $9,000.00. 

[The announcement of these facts was so gratifying to the Associa- 
tion that business was suspended for a season, each shook hands with the 
other, in token of gratitude, and the Doxology was sung with thankful 
hearts and tearful eyes.] 

These statements taken as a whole, cannot, I am sure, be otherwise than 
gratifying to the members of the Association. They present, in as clear 
light as can be in so condensed a form, the condition of our affairs up to 
the date given. 

The Union Convention, which convened on these grounds, July 10th, 
1873, was participated in by ten different denominations, and was a sea- 
son of great religious interest. 

The Camp-Meeting commencing August 8th, was by far the largest, 
most spirited and successful of any held here. Over 500 tents were oc- 
cupied, all the boarding-houses and cottages were full to overflowing, 
so that many persons made but a brief stay, owing to the want of better 
accommodations. 

The Sabbath-School on our grounds, under the efficient superintenden- 
cy of Rev. J. H. Thornley, of Philadelphia, has been an interesting fea- 
ture of our work. 

The greater part of the Summer passed pleasantly. There is evidently, 
however, a growing disposition by parties outside of Ocean Grove, and 
possibly by a few inside, to break down our Sabbath and other restric- 
tions. I hereby announce, however, that personally, so long as I shall 
have influence or power in this direction, I shall stand by these restric- 
tions, according to our chartered provisions, with an inflexibility of pur- 
pose which shall know no swerving. Here, I am persuaded, the Associa- 
tion will also stand. 

I now desire to call your attention to several points by way of inquiry, 
or suggestion, for the coming year. 

1 st. Broadway should be graded and the sidewalks at least graveled by 
the first of June, 1874. This I regard as imperative. 

2d. What shall be done in reference to shade in front of the Preachers' 
Stand ? 

3d. Require each lot-holder to clear up and keep his lot or lots clean, 
for two reasons, 1. Safety from fire, 2. Beauty. Fences, likewise, 



Fourth annual report. 



41 



around lots on the beach, would effectually prevent teams from driving 
across the walks. 

4th. The store owned by the Association, and occupied by Mr. Jemi- 
son, overruns the sidewalk about six feet, is in the way, mars the sym- 
metry, and is a very great annoyance to persons passing up and down that 
thoroughfare. I recommend its removal back at least six feet, and an 
addition of 25 feet to its eastern end. 

5th. I would also ask the Association to adopt some policy with regard 
to avenues on the beach. As' is known, they are wide — not too wide, 
perhaps — but for the Association to put them in order and keep them so, 
will be expensive. Two theories — 1. Allow the lot-holders to inclose 
in front of them on either side so as to leave a walk and wagon-way of 
40 feet ; or, 2. Grade and inclose the centre, as on Ocean Pathway, 
leaving a wagon-way on either side. Could not Avenue Associations be 
formed, for the purpose of beautifying the grounds in their front? 
Something ought to be done before next Summer, as the appearance and 
walking are both bad. 

6th. The Executive Committee has purchased two fire extinguishers — 
happily we have had no occasion thus far for their use. Fears are enter- 
tained, however, that should a fire of any magnitude occur, they would 
prove inadequate to the demand. Shall we purchase a regular fire engine 
and hose ? The cost has deterred us thus far. 

7th. I recommend the extension of Beach Avenue, from Sea-view to 
Lake ; leveling and clearing up the triangle between Lake, Sea-view and 
Beach, as it is now in a most wild, rugged, and unsightly condition. 

8th. I recommend the removal of the mound at the corner of Central 
and Atlantic avenues, on which is a Summer-house, erected at the per- 
sonal expense of Brother G. Hughes. That he be paid the cost of that 
improvement, and the same removed and placed in centre of Fairy Island, 
at the head of Wesley lake. 

9th. I recommend the beautifying of Thompson park. 

I have thus called your attention to the work that has been done, and 
what needs to be done. Not, indeed, that the recommendations cover 
all the needs, but all perhaps and more than we may accomplish this 
year. I hope what has been done will meet your approval, and what 
may be done will be even more satisfactory than the past. 

I cannot close this report without expressing my appreciation of the 
prompt attention which has been given by the members of the Executive 



4 2 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



Committee to the frequent calls which have been made upon their time, 
and the devotion which they have shown in discharging the laborious 
and often delicate duties assigned them. It is appropriate, and just too, 
as I think, that we appreciate the heavy work performed by both super- 
intendent and foreman of our working force. Both, in scores of instan- 
ces, working to the midnight hour, to meet the demands made upon 
them, while the laboring men upon our grounds are now so selected that 
none are retained who do not perform an honest day's work. In the 
regular working force department, I am sure the Association's money is 
not wasted. 

Again commending you and our work to God, I am as ever, 

Yours in Jesus, 

E. H. STOKES, President. 



I 




Ward Cottage. 

Residence of Dr. Isaac M. Ward, Ocean Ave. between 
Heck and Embury Streets. 



No sect, but one. the Christian sect, alone. 

No creed, but one, the Saviour crucified : 
His blood atones, and snail for all atone. 

His blessed love is more than oceans wide. 

e. h. s. 



THE CHURCH OF GOD, 



AT OCEAN GROVE. 



BY R. S., JR. 



" And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and 
to open the seals thereof : for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God 
by Thy blood out of every kindred and tongue and people and nation : and 
hast made us unto our God kings and priests ; '. — Rev. v. 9, 10. These words 
alone appropriately introduce us into this glorious meeting. 

They are those redeemed to God by the blood of Jesus, who are gathered 
here — kings they are, to whom has been given the dominion over sin — priests 
who offer an acceptable sacrifice of prayer and praise. All differences laid 
aside, they have come together to rehearse the song of the Lamb ; the song 
which is to be everlasting iu the glorious presence of Him " whom having not 
seen they love, in whom believing, they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full 
of glory." They have come from all the churches, and from all parts of the 
land to promote holiness to the Lord, and to realize by the Spirit their union 
in God, and their completeness in their living Head 

The place is a village of cottages and tents, in a grove by the sea-shore. 
Thousand of persons of all kinds are there spending the Summer months, 
and the sound of the workman's hammer is incessant. 

Here the Spirit of God rested during the session of the Convention. Not 
an oath did we hear, not an angry word. Each song was one of praise to God, 
and wherever two or three sat together they spoke of Heavenly things or 
searched the word of God. Not an angry face was seen, but the image of 
Christ himself was reflected in many of His dear children's faces. 

Each day began with prayer and praise. At half after five, in the fresh, 
pure morning, the people came together. There was a peculiar sweetness in 
this early service, a quiet gladness in the "mercies of God, new every morn- 
ing ; in the beauties of holiness more than [margin] the womb of the morn- 
ing." The witnessing was with power, the praise glorified God, the repeating 
of the Word was like manna, and so the soul was richly fed long before the 
body was cared for. Throughout the day, almost without intermission, the 
services continued, sometimes in the tent and again in the open grove. 

43 



44 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



The dear Lord was glorified as testimony after testimony was given to His 
mighty power in saving from sin. l< Severed from me ye can do nothing." 
11 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." So the gentle, 
sensitive girl hastened to confess her dear Lord, and " all * * looking 
steadfastly on her saw her face as it had been the face of an angel." And so, 
too, all present sat at the feet of the illiterate colored woman, and there learned 
the lessons which she had been wonderfully taught by God himself. The 
Spirit of God told the story of utter distrust of self, and of simple trust in 
Jesus from the lips of the strong man armed with education and experience, 
and the same spirit armed with unflinching courage the youngest child to go 
out boldly to meet Satan and all his hosts, strong in the knowledge only l< that 
greater is He that is in him than he that is in- the world." The gray-haired 
warrior and the youngest child had but one story to tell, that of perfect 
power supplementing perfect weakness." " He that gathered much had noth- 
ing over, aud he that gathered little had no lack." What prayers, so simple 
and yet so powerful, went up to God ; what heartfelt praise! The exquisite 
beauty of the hymn, — 

Sweetest note in seraph's song, 
Sweetest name on mortal tongue, 
Sweetest carol ever sung. 
Jesus! Jesus! Jesus! 

as sung upon these grounds, can never be forgotten. Nor the marvelous power 
with which a daughter of God set forth the Christian life as typified in the 
history of Israel, till when the Captain of the Lord's hosts appeared. (Joshua 
v. 14.) we, like Joshua, would put off the shoes from our feet, and falling on 
our knees we sang with awful praise the Doxology to the triune God. We sat 
indeed in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus, and no thirsty soul but went away 
refreshed. 

Our description falls very far short of the reality of the blessedness of this 
gathering of the Church. Three practical results, however, which can be ap- 
preciated by all, we will mention. 

First. The union of the Church, according to the words of the Lord Jesus, 
" that they may be one, even as we are one," was realized, realized as a union 
already accomplished, not a consummation devoutly to be hoped for in the fu- 
ture — a present fact, with which denominationalism need not at all interfere. 
The union of all believers in Jesus is of course actual, for the Lord himself has 
declared it ; in theory, then, it is accepted, but here it was practically demon- 
strated. Members of nine different communions were together, riot drawn by 
common interest in a Bible or Tract Society, but simply and only as those re- 
deemed by the blood of Jesus. No man loved less the communion to which 
he belonged, but each accepted his brother us one with himself in Jesus, just 



THE CHURCH OF GOD AT OCEAN GROVE. 



45 



as he was, with no desire that he should give up the peculiarities of his own 
communion, even when they were such as to exclude him from the pulpit or 
communion table. All differences were swept away by the realization of the 
11 blood which cleanseth from all sin." 

A Methodist Minister expressed the feeling of all, when, at the closing meet- 
ing, he said, " My Episcopal Brother, remain just what you are. I accept you 
with surplice, gown and book. Yes, you are welcome to the Apostolic succes- 
sion, though it debars me from your pulpits. I say, God bless and prosper 
you in it all, if only you can say to me, ' The blood of J esus Christ cleanseth 
me from all sin.' My dear Baptist Brother, remain just what you are ; hold 
to your own views. I will be content to sit still and see you go to the Lord's 
table, and praise God for you, if only you can say to me, ' The blood of J esus 
Christ cleanseth me from all sin.' " 

The union of Christ's Church is in His blood. The union exists to-day ; is 
perfectly consistent with denominational distinctions, and should be realized by 
every child of God. That man, or that body of men, which remains within 
the enclosure of denominational lines, and will not come out and join others in 
union work for Christ, promotes schism. The full power of the Church will 
never be felt till the world sees that the Church is indeed one, and that one- 
ness will not be seen, till, disregarding their differences, the children of God 
join together, as they did in this Convention, and as they must in Heaven, to 
praise Him who has redeemed them, one and all, by His blood. 

The second result of this Convention, was the clear setting forth of that 
which originated it: i. c, the " Higher Life," " Life of faith," or "Life of 
Trust," as it is variously designated. The call of the Convention was for " the 
promotion of entire consecration to Christ and full trust in Him." These 
were the words used by the signers of the call, to describe the Higher Life. 
It is just this, and only this which makes full life in Christ. Entire conse- 
cration is absolutely essential, not at all as a condition of receiving the blessing, 
but simply because it is impossible for him who doubts whether he is fully sur- 
rendered, to accept the fullness of salvation there is in Christ ; or, in other 
words, to trust Him entirely for pardon, peace, freedom from sin, and power 
for work. 

But for the child of God who knows of nothing kept back, it only remains 
to exercise his right, and to appropriate Christ for any and every need. If he 
does not thus accept Christ, he is guilty of the sin of sins, unbelief, and can 
have neither peace nor power : and what may be the end of the unbeliever ? 
(Rev. xxi:8.) 

Two things this " Higher Life" does not do. Lt does not exalt the creature, 
and it does not set forth human perfection. The testimony was uniform as to 
the deepening of the sense of sin, and the increased loathing and distrust of 



46 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



self : as was said, " We must go to the very depth of self-abasement, to learn 
that we are nothing, and so Christ becomes everything to us." In one sense 
only does the Higher Life teach perfection: i. e., perfection of weakness, (fear 
and trembling,) taking hold of the perfection of power. (God which worketh 
in you, both to will and to do His good pleasure.) (Phil, ii : 12, 13.) 

The third result of this Convention, was the realization, as never before, of 
the persons, employments, and delights of heaven. 

The persons were not here as members of this or that Church; not those 
who had gone through a certain form, or made a certain confession, but simply 
as those redeemed to God, by the blood of Jesus, who knew Him personally, 
and had made an agreement with Him to be His Their faces reflected the 
image of their Lord, and their conversation was in heaven. Their occupation 
was telling all day long what God had done for their souls, and ihey praised 
continually the God of their salvation, Father, Son, and Spirit. In truth, they 
realized that their whole salvation was due to the grace of Christ, and therefore 
they de'ighted in Him, " whom, having not seen, they love, in whom believing 
they rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory." 

Their whole joy w r as joy in the Lord, realized as a Saviour from wrath, and 
from sin. The presence of the dear Lord realized by faith, and the compan- 
ionship of those who manifested this love, grace, and power, made this Conven- 
tion a foretaste of heaven — for the presence of Jesus, and the companionship 
of His dear children must constitute greatly the joy of the redeemed. 

Any one might have come to this Convention, but without the personal 
knowledge of redeeming love, what to him would be the story of the cross? 
what part would he hive in the praise to Him who has redeemed them by His 
blood ? He could not stay in such a p^ce So, could one obtain an entrance 
into heaven itself, without the fitness for it, it would be no heaven for him. 

What, then, is this fitness ? It began with the felt need of a Saviour from 
sin. It was followed by the acceptance of Jesus. It continues by complete 
trust in Him. It is all of faith, which worketh by love, purifieth the heart, 
and overcometh the world. Rev. xxii; 11 ; Rev. vi : 15-17 ; I. Johniii: 1-3; 
II. Peter iii ; 10-14 ; Isaiah xxxv. 



\ 



PRESENTATION TO BRO. OSBORN. 



47 




OSBORN COTTAGE, 

RESIDENCE OP REV. W. B. OSBORN, 

Comer of Pilgrim Pathway and Lake Avenue. 



It will be seen in the first annual report of the President, that a recommen- 
dation was made to present a cottage t o Rev. W. B. Osborn, as a testimonial 
of esteem, and in further consideration for labors rendered. All felt the pro- 
priety of the suggestion, but the funds we're too low to allow its practical adop- 
tion. As time parsed on, aud Mr. Osborn had gone to Florida, friends re- 
solved to greet his return by the presentation of a handsome cottage, the cost 
of which was over tbree thousand dollars. This noble sum was collected out- 
side of the Association funds, and the whole scheme carried to completion by 
the perseverance of Rev. Mrs John S. Inskip, alone The day of its presen- 
tation, July 15th, 1873, was a gala day. Rev. J. S. Inskip made the presen- 
tation speech. Mr. Osborn, overcome by this unexpected kindness, made the 
best reply he could, and Rev. E. H. Stokes delivered, the following Poem : 

O, Brother in Christ ! from the land of flowers, 

We welcome you hack to our Ocean bowers ; 

From the sea-girt land, marked by war's red track, 

We welcome you, Brother-, we welcome you back. 

We welcome you back, not with pomp or display, 

We welcome you here in this simpler way ; 

But if the occasion in grandeur shall lack, . 

Rest assured, O Brother, we welcome you back ! 

We welcome you back to the land of the pine, 

Where oaks with the holly all sweetly combine, 

Where Ocean's cool breath so triumphantly sweeps, 

And bright Wesley Lake in tranquility sleeps. 

We welcome you back to the beach and the strand, 

We welcome you back with our heart and our hand ; 

We welcome you back to the scene of your toil, 

Where the jeer and rebuff no longer recoil, 

But where progress goes forth, with wreaths on her brow, 

O, Pioneer Brother, we welcome you now ! 



48 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



When first on this spot, you remember we knelt, 
Then all through this region old Solitude dwelt, 
His companions, the serpent, fish-hawk and toad, 
Our access unto it a serpentine road, — 
So narrow and sandy as almost to say 
•• You are hold, my dear friends, to venture this way." 
You ventured ! We followed, for gain or for loss, 
And here, on this beach, first erected the cross, — 
Yes ! erected the cross, for we knew the sod 
Had value alone in the blessing of God. 
So here on this spot, by the lip of the lake, 
In a covenant strong, which earth shall not break, 
We bowed us, a dozen, in the dust so low, 
God heard in His own blessed Heaven, I know. 
For in the beginning, blessed God, to Thee, 
We gave this good land by the wonderful sea — 
And our God came down in such glorious power, 
That memory still loves to dwell on that hour ; 
So henceforth for God and holiness shall be 
This Christ-given land by the beautiful sea. 
But changes ! What changes ? The wilderness now 
Wears bright floral wreaths on her once rugged brow ; 
And the cottages sit by Wesley's fair tide, 
While the mansions stand out by the great Ocean's side. 
Where the old Barbara Heck once sunk near the shore, 
The graceful skiff glides with the skilful-plied oar ; 
While tbe hammer and saw sound all through the wood, 
Disturbing the sleep of profound Solitude : 
And lo ! everywhere, by the grove and the strand, 
A city appears, as by magic of hand. 
But be not deceived, there was toil ! there was toil ! 
There was planning by day ; and the midnight oil 
Was often exhausted in working our way 
Out of darkness up to this glorious day. 
For oft in our pathway the mountains rose high, 
And help there seemed none save it came from the sky. 
But when night was darkest, and strongest our fear, 
Our God, He delivered, and still He is near. 
O, praised be His name — for the past and to-day ; 
O, praised be His name ! let us evermore say ; 
O, praised be His name for the help of His hand ; 
O, praised be His name for this Christ-given land ! 
But when Camp-Meeting came, O then came the throng- 
Some thought things were right : some thought everything wrong. 
Some wanted a tent, a boat, or some straw, 
And some wanted things not according to law. 
A dozen cried out, " Where is Osborn, I say ? 
See here, I've been waiting this whole blessed day — 
The night 's coming on, I can get nothing done, 
I've a mind to pack up and go straight back home." 
But, after a while, our friend Osborn appears, 
And a dozen good people, appealing in tears, 
Each ask but a minute — a minute I say, 
" O, here. Brother Osborn, please to come this way ; 
I 'm so glad to find you. I do want to know, 
Wo'nt you please help me find my dear little Joe ?" 
' ; Your dear little Joe !" Osborn cries in disdain, — 
And from showing displeasure can hardly refrain- 
But knowing he must, he answereth low. 
>• Please get those less busy to look for your Joe, 



PRESENTATION TO BRO. OSBORN. 



For there 's much to he done, and many complain 
They 've no place to sleep, and no shelter from rain." 
But the friend was aggrieved, and could not see why 
That at just such a time she should have such reply ; 
So we all stood reproved : and answering low, 
Dropped everything else and went hunting for Joo ; 
Yes, hunting for Joe— though others would say, 
" To do nothing at all it takes you all day ;" 
And though all our time was thus uselessly spent, 
While dear little Joe lay asleep in his tent — 
Yet we must he patient, enduring the while, 
Till the scowl of reproof is changed to the smile. 
For sure as the pathway of duty is trod, 
As sure as the heavens containeth a God, 
So sure shall the scorn and rebuke pass away— 
The darkness unfold in meridian clay, 
The storm and the gloom of the tempest pass by, 
And the rainbow arch out in the beautiful sky. 
It is so, my dear Brother— and we come now— 
Not with garlands of bloom to encircle your brow- 
Not with gifts like these, do we welcome you back — 
No fading earth-honors we lay in your track — 
O, no ! we have come, — for the night is now past, 
And the long-looked for day has broken at last ; 
The storm, too, is silenced, and behold ! on high, 
The rainbow of promise is filling the sky. 
We come not with banners or deep-sounding drum, 
We come not as the mail-clad warriors come ; 
We come full of peace, full of joy, full of love, 
We come here to-day our strong friendship to prove ; 
We come here to-day, and are glad you have come, 
And in proof of our gladness we give you this home ; 
It is yours, all yours, here to live, or to die, 
Yours, your wife's, and your boy's — may this be your throne. 
It is yours, all paid for, it is yours alone ; 
It is yours, yes, yours. So our God often sends 
The choicest of blessings through numerous friends. 
But the friend most active in this gift to-day, 
Whose firm faith hath borne each barrier away, 
To whom you're indebted through all future life, 
Is the Mistress of Song, the Itinerant's wife.* 
To God and to her let our thanks be given, 
And our prayer go up for a meeting in heaven ! 
Where Cookman, and Lawrence, and Franklin abide, 
O may we, through mercy, forever reside. 
O, then, Brother in Christ, here again, we say, 
In the flush and glow of this festival day, 
That if the occasion in grandeur has lack, 
Rest assured, O Brother, we welcome you back ! 
We welcome you back from the land of flowers, 
We welcome you back to our Ocean bowers ; 
We welcome you back to the beach and the strand, 
We welcome you back with our heart and our hand, 
Where ocean's cool breath so triumphantly sweeps. 
And smooth Wesley Lake in tranquility sleeps ; 
Whore progress goes forth with wreaths on her brow, 
O, pioneer Brother, we welcome you now ! 

* Mrs. J, S, In skip. 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



A NIGHT SCENE AT OCEAN GROVE. 



BY REV. G. K. MORRIS, A. M. 



Ten o'clock at night is a late hour for closing religious service, in the sober 
and decorous way of doing things. But circumstances justify and sometimes 
demand a departure from the rigidly regular course. Of this fact Camp- 
Meetings afford many illustrations, and Camp-Meetings are interesting chiefly 
because irregular, and different from the life at home. 

What would staid, stay-at-home people say to an invitation to attend a night 
meeting at a quarter past ten o'clock, out of doors, with only the stars lo >king 
down in their soft brightness, for light? Such an invitation the Ocean Grove 
people received one day during the recent Camp-Meeting. Moreover, they 
were informed that nothing particular was to take place, and that only those 
who wanted to know what was going on were invited, while those who did not 
care to know might stay at home and go to bed. You may be'ieve, dear reader, 
that the genial E. H. Stokes knew, intuitively, the effect of sueh an iovitition. 
If he did not at first know, he soon learaed Rumors began fci get abroad of a 
wedding, of baptisms, and so on, as active imaginations suggested. 

At the hour named, by the side of Wesley Lake, which seemed so quiet 
that you might fancy it a great yet gentle creature that had gone softly to 
sleep, gathered the multitudes of expectant ones. It seemed as if "all the en- 
campment were there. The tents were closed, silence prevailed among the 
cottages, and all the avenues were deserted. 

The invitation proves to have been a successful one. Shall we look upon 
the scene? It will need sharp eyes to do so, and much help from imagination.' 
for no moon is shining, and such meetings as th ; s were not provided for in the 
plans of the committee on gas-light. The deep gloom of the groves on either 
shore of the lake is only heightened by the feeble star-light struggling through 
the misty night. It is so dark that you need to peer carefully under the hat- 
brim of your next neighbor to see whose features the darkness veils. The 
hundreds that line the shore, form a dark, irregular border to the motionless 
waters. On the other shore, in Asbury Park, the few lamps that twinkle 
throw some struggling rays out upon the darkness, sufficient to make it visible 

On the lake, just in front of us, in dim outline, may be seen a dozen boats, 
laden with silent passengers — as if waiting for Charon to ferry them over the 



A NIGHT SCENE. 



51 



waveless river to the land of Spirits. The gloom is softened by two or three 
lanterns in the boats, that float near each other, making the neighborhood a 
little brighter than elsewhere. We can distinguish nothing clearly, but it is 
clear that something is preparing for us. 

Listen ! A rich, musical voice, clear as the bugle tone, and as distinct, yet 
mellow as the German flute, breaks the stillness that was becoming oppressive. 
Musical waves seem to roll along on the bosom of the lake, that surely must 
be listening, and then, without breaking, they rolled over the thrilled hearts 
of the hundreds on shore, and on, till the very groves are flooded with music. 
It is a manly voice, and one of peculiar qualities. We, here, at a distance, 
seem to hear it as distinctly as those in the boat by the singer's side. He is 
singing the " Life Boat," and when he throws out the cry, " The life boat ! 
the life boat I" it startles the listener almost painfully. 

He thinks of the stormy sea, and shipwreck, and imperiled mariner, and 
the wild, despairing cry for the " life boat " which will not come to save him 
from the hungry waves that triumph over his helplessness. When, again, 
the singer repeats, " The life boat ! the life boat !" there is more of joy than 
dispair in the tones. Now the listener sees the mariner rescued. The boat 
has reached him, and, as strong arms lift him from the waters, his soul is 
blessing the " life boat." Now the saved one is at home telling the story — 
and wife and children bless the £l life boat," while eyes are wet with grateful 
tears. 

Again, that persuasive voice repeats " The life boat ! the life boat !" Now 
we think of life's stormy sea, and its shipwrecked one. 0 ! from many hearts 
is wrung the despairing cry, " A life b )at !" Js it vain ? Does Heaven hear? 
Again the singer- — an unwonted mellowness seems now in his voice. It moves 
the soul's de p. The lite boat is near the sinking one. Thank God. he is 
safe ! Join all in the chorus jovfully, for God looks after the shipwrecked. 

But the song is over. People join in singing, " We shall gather at the 
river." Will there be a glorious transformation ? Shall light chasa this 
darkness away, and we see our loved ones ? 

Would I could tell all the thoughts of good that surged through a thousand 
hearts that night by the lake. Surely, the effects of that half hour will live 
forever. Memory will cherish and fancy enrich the recollections of the pleas- 
ing entertainment it afforded. Thanks to Brother Stokes, for the conception, 
and thanks to Brother Hardy for his sungs. 



52 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 




HAYS' COTTAGE. 
Residence of Hon. J. L. Hays, Ocean Pathway, near Beach Avenue. 



1TETTIE. 

BY REV. E. H. STOKES. 

Nettie Hays, daughter of Hon. J. L. and H. H. Hays, of Newark, N. 
J., slept in Jesus at the Summer home of her parents, (shown in the above 
engraving), Ocean Grove, N. J., July 2d, 1873, aged 5 years and 4 months. 
She was a beautiful child, and greatly beloved. In the Sabbath-school she 
was a special favorite. Here she learned to sing the sweet songs of Zion, none 
of which she so much prized as "I am so glad that Jesus loves me " This 
she sung with great frequency, and with such sweetness that all hearts were 
drawn towards her. She loved much, but J esus always first and best. A little 
while before she died, her countenance shone like the face of an angel. 

The following lines were composed and sent to her parents several months 
after her death : 

The beautiful sea ! the beautiful sea ! 

Song by the beautiful sea— 
'Twas a song of love, like they sing above. 

As sweet as a song could be. 

O. the beautiful light in the sky was bright, 

As bright as brightness could be : 
And the singer sung, as with angel's tongue. 
'" So glad that Jesus loves me." 



NETTIE HAYS. 



O, the soft sweet voice made all hearts rejoice, 

All hearts by the bright blue sea — 
Like an angel's song, so it trilled along— 

" So glad that Jesus loves me." 

The beautiful child was all undefiled, 

As guileless as child could be — 
No wonder she sung, as with angel's tongue, 

" So glad that Jesus loves me." 

" And I love him, too— yes, indeed I do," 

She said, when down by the sea — 
Her heart all intent, as singing she went, 

" So glad that Jesus loves me." 

" But Jesus is best, and, more than the rest. 

I love Him, here by the sea ; 
Yes, more than the rest, I love Him best 

' So glad that Jesus loves me.' " 

" O, my sweet papa, I love you and ma, 

So much as ever can be ; 
But, more than the rest, I love Jesus best— 

' So glad that Jesus loves me.' 

" Oh, I am tired," she said : then laid her sweet head 

On bosoms down by the sea — 
Her brow bathed in light, she sung in the night, 

" So glad that Jesus loves me." 

An angel, she smiled, while, all undefiled, 

She waited down by the sea ; 
With bright angels' song her's floated along : ' 

" So glad that Jesus loves me." 

By sweet angels kept, our dear Nettie slept, 

She slept way down by the sea ; 
But she sings above, her sweet song of love 

" So glad that Jesus loves me." 

Camden, N. J., 1874. 



54 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



OCEAN GROVE-ITS AIR AND WATER. 



There is a growing feeling among some of the intelligent invalids who 
have been helped at Ocean Grove, that its virtues should be more carefully spe- 
cified and widely known. It is generally supposed that the chief advantages 
of this resort are bathing in the surf, freedom from the restraints of fashion- 
able resorts, and the quieting influence of a religious atmosphere — all of which 
are true. But there are some reasons, most generdly overlojked, which it 
gives me pleasure to notice ; and can, perhaps, be told in the way of experi- 
ence belter than any other. My firat visit was in the Summer of 1 870, where, 
in a rest of a fortnight, I found more recuperation than ever before in the 
same length of time. It was attributable, in my judgment then, to careful 
daily bathing in the surf, rest, and the other circumstances before mentiuned. 
The Summer vacation of '71 found me much prostrated; so much that any- 
thing more than sitting as a listener at the Camp Meeting was out of my 
power — arid yet, alter twenty-nine nights spent in a tent near Wesley Lake, 
my strength was wonderfully restored, and one of the hardest Winter's service 
of my life was succe>sfully accomplished. So great was the change for the 
better, that it was determined in my mind to erect a cottage, and take my wife 
to the same place, being well assured it could not fail to benefit her. She had 
been a helpless invalid for years, suffering from spinal difficulty and general 
debility. To give some idea of her feebleness, it is only necessary to state that 
she rarely left her room save as she was carried ; and our removals from place 
to place were matters of no ordinary moment. We had given up hope, al- 
most, of any improvement ; the best physic ; ans had done all they could, and 
we were simply trusting in God, and submitting to His will. In July, '72, 
we took her to Ocean Grove, and for a few days she seemed to lose rather than 
gain strength ; but on my return, in September, from a journey, and going to 
see her (after an absence of four months), she surprised me by leading me 
across the ground to dinner, with an elasticity of step, and speed, that made 
me stop and look at her with wonder. Her health was so much recovered 
that she was able to nurse me through an almost fatal illness of more than two 
months' duration ; but such exhausting, anxious work told severely on her 
strength, and the Spring of '73 found her again very much prostrated. She 
was confined to her bed six weeks ; but as soon as she was able to move, we 



ITS AIR AND WATER. 



55 



took her to the little cottage, and in a very short time she was moving about 
with her accustomed vigor — and though this Spring has been a trying one, 
and we have moved to a new app intment, she has gone through without a 
break, and bids fair to see a happy Summer at Ocean Grove. 

The reasons adduced at the opening of this article are not sufficient to ac- 
count for these results — for she has never bathed in the sea, had little to do 
with the social life and healthful ea*e of the beach, lake and other surround- 
ings; so we must look for gome other reasons — and, in my judgment, they are 
found : 1st. Tn the air. One reason why the Saranacand Adirondack region 
is so healthful, is the abundance of hemlock, fir and pine that ab »und there ; 
and the same is true of Ocean Grove. On all the land sides are great groves 
of pine : and the forests for many miles are largely of this tree. There is an 
almost constant exudation of pitch from them. A tent spread under them 
shows this plainly. The air is perfumed with their fragrance ; all the land 
breezes are laden with it, and it is no wonder the appetite, after a few days, is 
so hard to satisfy. It is well known that the cutters of pine and hemlock 
timber in the north woods of New York, are most expensive boarders — and 
it is said the boarding-house keepers at Ocean Grove have hard work to satisfy 
the hunger of their guests. There is no air better for enfeebled throats and 
lungs than such as breathes through the pines ; and the instant one with a 
feeble throat crosses the bridge over Great Pond, the srftness and soothing of 
the air become apparent. The longer one can stay in this air, the better — a 
few days will do good, but a longer stay is to be preferred. 

The second reason is the water. This is reached by driving a pipe into the 
earth, and most delicious is the taste thereof. There has been no chemical 
analysis of it made that I am aware of ; but it is evident there are mineral 
qualities of great value in it. Pumping a fresh glass, a very perceptible ef- 
fervescene may be noticed, and the effects of liberal drinking are very salu- 
tary. 

These two facts, generally overlooked, are, in my judgment, large factors in 
the benefit invalids receive at Ocean Grove. God's blessing seems to rest on 
these sweet and unnoticed means, and we are not alone in thinking there are 
few such places on this continent. 

BENJAMIN M. ADAMS, 

Pastor of M. E. Church, Hempstead, Long Island, N. T. 

May 29, 1874. 



56 



OCEAN GROVE, N. j. 



THIS BOYS. 



BY REV. A. E. BAEEARD. 



Boys are an institution anywhere, and especially an institution in the 
G-rove. Their number is very large in proportion to the families who domi- 
cile within the grounds — so large as to indicate the probable large increase 
of Methodism in the coming generation. If the boys at the Grove represent 
the masculine status of Methodism generally, it will never die out from the 
drying up of the families. Yerily, their name is legion. They meet you at 
all the corners ; they climb all the ridge-poles ; they divide the occupancy of 
the trees with the squirrels and wrens ; they throng all the avenues ; they 
tumble through all private fencings ; they cluster around the restaurants and 
ice-cream saloons ; they speculate in peanuts ; they hang behind the wagons, 
and race milk-carts ; they climb up into the stage, and spend the time, no 
matter where they are, in occasioning parental disquietude over their locality. 
It is a rare interregnum here when some anxious mother is not inquiring for 
her boy. She is afraid he is in the lake; she is certain he is in the ocean ; 
she is sure he is lost in the woods ; she thinks it likely he is dead ; and by 
that time she generally catches sight of her young hopeful, sneaking around 
some corner, and repaying her anxious affection by desperate efforts to keep 
out of her sight. The fathers are not generally so anxious. They appear to 
have an abiding conviction that the boy can take care of himself, and he feels 
disposed to let him try it. The mothers, after they have been here awhile, 
lose their fears in an enforced resignation, and, as a rule, the boys do take 
care of themselves, and rarely or never get hurt. But it is in the lake that 
the boy nature comes out most freely. Dashing and shooting in their little 
boats everywhere ; crossing, re-crossing in angles, in parallelograms, in seg- 
ments, in circles, in all sorts of mathematical tangles; spattering each other, 
running into each other, boat ahoying each other, interlinking each other's 
oars, scolding each other, laughing at each other, and keeping things lively 
in all manner of ways. It may be a mark of special depravity, but the boys 
make no secret of their regret over the approaching Camp-Meeting, and ex- 
press their aversion in terms more decided than religious. Yet Ocean Grove, 
without the boys, would not be Ocean G-rove, and while their pranks occasion 
some inconvenience, still, one of the chief attractions here, as everywhere else, 
is the boys. 



THE GIRLS. 



57 



THE GIBLS. 

BY REV. A. E. BAI/LARD. 

If the boys are an " institution " at this place, certainly the girls are still 
more so. There is a return to first principles in the habits and customs of this 
younger kind of young ladies, which it is really refreshing to behold. There 
is a human-ness about them, which, while it dispenses altogether with the an- 
gelic conception, gives us a most healthy idea of unlimited bread and butter. 
There is not exactly a delicate exotic color upon the lily ground-work of their 
cheeks : but there is a decided tan — almost a bronze — in its place. The taper 
fingers are filled up with hard, solid muscle ; and instead of taper waists, they 
develop a full, splendid chest, which would do honor to a Venus de Medicis. 
Young girls, from two years to twenty two, row the boats — splash in the surf — 
run, if they choose, through the woods — go barefooted, if circumstances call 
for it — and, in fact, come back as near to nature as it is possible to come. Yet 
with all this there is no absence of refinement. A young girl whose instincts 
of ladyhood have been cultivated at home, is equally a young lady in all the 
abandon of the grove. The manners are as graceful as those of the most cul- 
tivated fashionable life. The very freedom of their habits adds a beauty to the 
culture of their politeness, and many a lady, charming in the perfect artificial- 
ness of both appearance and manners, might profitably copy the naturalness of 
the girls at the Grove. 

Yet, like the boys, they are terrible sources of anxiety to nervous mothers 
and anxious fathers. In their ancestral conceptions they are drowned every 
day, although they are always punctually back at meal-time. They expect to 
find them at the bottom of the lake, but really find them at the head of the 
table. They disappear from the anxious paternal vision, and turn up among 
the huckleberry bushes. They get constantly lost, and as constantly get found 
again — generally on the sands of the shore. They make unlimited promises 
not to do so any more, and in ten minutes go and do it again — yet, despite all 
the anxiety they cause, Ocean Grove would be shorn without the girls : bright, 
young, healthy girls. And if the style of manners which are being cultivated 
among them should become the fashion, the people will owe to Ocean Grove a 
physical debt which it will not be easy to estimate. 



5S 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



BOATIHG. 



Often the weather is of that softly delicious character which tempts a loun- 
ger out upon the waters of the lake. During the day the boating is largely 
confined to the bathing hour, when most of the people who possess a boat, use 
it to go down to the ocean, and row back again after the bath is taken It is 
one of the singular features about bathing in the ocean, that no one appears to 
take cold from remaining with their wet clothes on for half an hour after ta- 
king the bath. Quiet ladies, who at home do not allow the winds of heaven 
to blow upon them too roughly, here exhibit a perfect abandonment of care- 
fulness, and sit for this time with their wet clothes upon them, and take no harm. 
Barefooted, stockingless, and gipsey- hatted, they forget the possibilities of ill- 
ness, and consequently do not get ill. During the day the boys use the boats 
in imitation of Harvard and Yale — and many is the youthful triumph over a 
successful race : and many are the smashings and runnings into one another 
which occur in these connections. 

But it is in the evenings, when the sunset is flushing the waters, that the 
real boating of Ocean Grove takes place. From seven to nine o'clock the lake 
is literally alive with craft. From both sides' of the water, starting out from 
all conceivable docks and landings, all kinds of vessels, from the tiniest shell to 
a fair-sized wherry — all sorts of crews, from a single boy or girl to a crowd of 
ladies and gentlemen — all laughing and chattering — voices ringing out in the 
soft, moist air of the evening, and harmonizing sweetly with the departing sun- 
set and the advancing evening — the long line of lights on either side of the 
shore, flashing on each merry party as they pass, and forming a path of stream- 
ing beauty beyond; all these, with hundreds of other sources of enjoyment, 
combine with the boating at Ocean Grove. A. e. b. 



The healthfulness of this locality needs no better evidence than the utterly 
careless manner in which the people violate the ordinary rules of hygiene — and 
moderation. They apparel themselves with little or no regard to the health- 
rules which they deem essential at home, and they eat, drink and sleep in about 
the same way. Still, there is little or no sickness here : and there must be a 
wonderful sanitary power in the woods and waves to induce the uninterrupted 
health which usually reigns at this place. 

The most of the sickness we have known has been that caused by living and 
sleeping in cottages newly painted, where the poisonous exhalations from them 
affected the throat and lungs to such a degree as to become serious. It is gen- 
erally better to leave the cottages unpainted till after the Summer residence is 
over, and they have the Winter in which to dry. 



BATHING; 



BATHING-. 

BY REV. E. A. BALLARD. 

Who that has luxuriated in the joy of an ocean bath, has not longed for its 
repetition ? When once the body is arrayed — not exactly in purple and fine 
linen, but in the unique and graceful bathing-dress, and has gone out into the 
rolling breakers, the vivacity of childhood comes back to the years which have 
so long left it. When the provisions for safety are so thorough that all fear is 
dismissed from the mind, the abandon is complete, and the joy ecstatic. The 
long, rolling surf-waves (if we so will it) gently shock the frame, and stir the 
sluggish blood to fresher motion. That motion rolls, and bounds, and leaps 
through the veins — anywhere, everywhere — routing all the host of peccant hu- 
mors which had ambushed themselves in all possible hidden places — never ceas- 
ing the pursuit till it has forced them to the surface. The torpid liver finds 
itself compelled to join the general activity, and to work like a disused steam 
engine newly set in motion. The nerves respond to the body's school boy hol- 
iday, and scatter tingling sensations of pleasure all over the frame. The rapid 
'action of all the parts clears the throat from its huskiness, and the voice peals 
out in laughter through tones whose musical cadences astonish the possessor. 
The rush of the sporting waters, spattering, spluttering, frisking, running and 
ducking, enters every pore and washes away the humors which had before been 
driven from their ambush, and with them the vapid inanition which they had 
produced. The surf lubricates the joints like oil ; grave men fling out their 
limbs like colts in pastures • dignified women, from the very inspiration of ne- 
cessity, sport like girls at recess ; aged people tumble among the waves till one 
would think they were only in their teens. People who would be shocked at 
home over the slightest departure from conventional proprieties, spatter each 
other with the most exuberant good will. Sometimes a wise and reverend 
head " will be pushed down under the waters by another head as wise and rev- 
erend as itself. A moment, and it emerges, orerflowing with fun and laughter, 
and a desperate lunge places the other sportive combatant where he was before. 
The little children chase each other through the white foam of the sanded 
shores, rolling over each other, in the utter abandonment of delight. Young 
men and maidens forget how far society keeps them apart, and together dash 
in, in entire forgetfulness of what society may think. Then when the multi- 
tude come out of the water ! The apparel does not cling to the form in exactly 
the shapes which outline the gracefulness of beauty, but no one cares for that 



6o 



OCEAN^GROVE, N. J. 



and they only laugh the more over the appearance of each other. The laugh- 
ter is " catching," and the veriest trifles excite fresh peals of merriment — 
chattering, pushing, scattering sand over each other, in the flush of a full life, 
their way is wended to the houses where the transformation from the nonde- 
scripts who enter, and the elegant ladies and gentlemen who return, is com- 
pleted. Then the table keeper can appreciate them ! Then the delicious 
sleep which follows ! Then the sense of health which waits on solid sleep ! 
Then the pleasure with which the wakening call of the morning sunlight is 
received ! Purer and healthier every hour under the process, and a few days 
sends the bather from Ocean Grove invigorated into a new sense of delicious 
life. 



DR. WARD'S MEETINGS AT OCEAN GROYE. 



One of the most delightful things connected with Ocean Grove was Dr. 
"Ward's meeting for the promotion of holiness, carried on from day to day in 
his large tent. To see that dear Presbyterian Elder surrounded by such 
crowds of Christians of all denominations, not only his own, but Baptists, 
Episcopalians, Dutch Reformed, and others as well as Methodists, and all in 
loving harmony, was a heavenly sight. They had varied views on minor 
points of theology, no doubt, but there was no clashing on the duty and 
privilege of loving God, with all the heart, and together they strove to get 
nearer to Jesus. 

Those who were not entirely saved from all their sins, sought for a full 
salvation, and the many who were walking in full light and liberty asked and 
received fresh baptisms of fire. 

The deep earnestness of those who attended, and the burning zeal of many 
of them — the blessed fruits of the Spirit manifested in a majority of the 
testimonies given to those who had tested Christ's power to save to the utter- 
most — the numbers who sought for the cleansing from all unrighteousness, 
the sacred influence that seemed to reach every one that came' there, and the 
repeated maifestations of the presence of the blessed Holy Ghost, made it a 
place of deep and solemn interest to all. 



THE MODERN EDEN. 



6l 



THE MODERN EDEN. 



We have been to Ocean Grove and want everybody to know what a delight- 
ful place it is. We had heard wonderful accounts of its beauties, and were 
charmed with its name, for there is magic in the name, Ocean. 

The Grove consists of about two hundred and thirty acres of land, and is 
bounded east by the ocean, north by Wesley Lake, south by Fletcher Lake, 
and west by the turnpike leading to Long Branch. It is laid out in avenues, 
on which many fine cottages have already been erected. Lake View Avenue 
fronts on Wesley Lake, and Ocean Avenue looks on the great Atlantic; then 
there is Sea View, Bath, Beach, Atlantic and Surf Avenues, all suggestive 
of the sea. Ocean Pathway is a splendid walk from the preaching-stand to 
the ocean, on either side of which are fields of buckwheat, which perfume the 
air and charm the eye. 

But the ocean itself is the grandest sight of all. We love to sit on the 
sandy shore and watch the proud waves with their white foamy crest, rolling 
toward us as if conscious of their strength, and then breaking at our feet in 
obedience to His command who said, "Thus far shalt thou go, and no 
farther." Far out towards the horizon the waters were of a deep blue color, 
while nearer the shore they were green. The distinction was sometimes very 
striking,. and while the surging billows were dashing on the sandy beach, 
away beyond there seemed to be scarce a ripple on the surface. When the 
light of the moon shone on its waters a bright path opened before us, and we 
could almost fancy, if some friendly hand would only convey us beyond the 
heaving billows, that we could walk upon the water in that bright path. 
And when there was no moon, and the phosphorescent light danced along the 
waves, what a magnificent sight it presented to our view. There is music, 
too, in the deep roar of these mighty waters, coming from the very depths of 
those dark caverns hidden from the gaze of mortal eye. 

And it was splendid to be in the water. Some swimming, some floating, 
some jumping the waves, and all apparently enjoying themselves. What^a 
comical looking set of folks we were, too, attired in our bathing-robes. The 
bath houses were erected by Captain Street, a gentleman who cannot fail to 
give satisfaction to all. His associates, too, were worthy of all praise. Some 
timid ones (we are included in that number), who loved the water but were 
afraid to battle with the waves, found a kind protector in Tony, the bathing 



62 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



master. He stood like a rock, and lifted us up when the great waves came, 
and we felt so secure. We thank him for much of our enjoyment in the 
water. * 
There was one thing we missed, that was going out with the fishing party. 
How beautiful to see the boats come in, riding over the waves so gracefully. 
We thouaht it very fine to ride on Wesley Lake at first, but after seeing the 
fishing party return, the Lake lost its attractions, the Ocean alone could 
satisfy us now. 

We have not said much about the " Grove " after all, but having dipped 
our pen in old ocean, we cannot consent to write about anything else, and 
will only say the water is delightful and the air invigorating. 

Juniata. 



WITH JESUS BY THE SEA. 



How pleasant after months of close confinement amid brick and mortar, to 
sit down in some quiet spot on the brink of old ocean, soothed by its ceaseless 
roll, and stretch the eye over its wide expanse, with vision bounded only by 
sky and water, and breathe its invigorating atmosphere. Such were the 
writer's thoughts while reclining in the pavilion, at the foot of Ocean Path- 
way, at Ocean Grove, one beautiful evening last week. And these feelings 
were mingled with sincere gratitude, as we remembered that in the shady 
grove skirting the beach there were then hundreds of God's people of differ- 
ent denominations, some of the most excellent and devoted of the earth, as- 
sembled in His name, to worship and to advance His cause, and we instinct- 
ively exclaimed, here is j ust what a Christian people have long needed, a 
watering-place, where " the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth." Recuperation 
for soul and body, recreation and salvation delightfully mingled together. 

But our reverie is soon to be interrupted ; it has been announced from the 
preaching- stand that there will be public service at 6 p. M., at the beach, and 
now slowly from cottage and tented circle they come. They cover the sandy 
slope, and still they come, until they crowd all the place down to the wave- 
washed strand. And now in silent awe, all uncovered, in the presence of 
Hini who holds the mighty deep in the hollow of His hand, the song of praise 



WITH JESUS BY THE SEA. 



63 



goes up, like the voice of many waters, until it swells above the roar of the 
foaming billows that dash at our very feet. 

What a sea of upturned faces, lit up with holy joy. The thought occurs, 
are we in Palestine ? Is this the shore of Tiberias ? Are these the scenes 
of the incarnation re-enacted ? Is Jesus really here to feed and heal the 
multitude ? Yes; Jesus was there, to heal. While the good old Coronation 
hymn was being sung, so spontaneous did it seem to spring or leap to the lips 
of that vast throng, that we felt that in their very hearts, filled with hallowed 
emotions, Jesus was crowned Lord of all. 

With a thrill of rapture too big for utterance, we gazed at the glowing 
sunset, and then at the sea, listened to the burning words of inspiration and 
songs of praise, until it seemed that nature also, retouched by the finger of 
its divine Maker, had really conspired with the voice of grace to crown Him 
Lord of all. 

The services were adjourned until the next evening at the same hour, with 
the Doxology sung as we have seldom heard it, and a triumphant hallelujah ! 
while the lofty pennant, streaming from the tall flag-staff just above our 
heads, chimed in, " The Lord reigneth." The mighty host then fell in line, 
and marched up the broad avenue to the grove, singing, " 0, glory hallelujah ! 
our God is marching on !" 



j. G. R. 




6 4 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



SOLOMON AT EZION-GEBER. 

BY REV. J. *D. ADAMS, BUFFALO, N. Y. 

Rev. J. D. Adams, having spent a number of weeks at Ocean Grove, and 
becoming deeply interested in it, on returning to his church and people at Buf- 
falo, last Summer, delivered to them an interesting sermon on the above sub- 
ject, of which the following are extracts. The reader will be interested in the 
perusal. 



Then went Solomon to Ezion-Geber, and to Eloth, at the sea-side, in the 
land of Edom. — II Chronicles, 8, 17. 

Solomon went to the sea-side. 

Solomon was a wise man. Perhaps he was wiser in going to the sea-side 
than he was in doing some other things which he did. It seems that he went 
to the sea-side to make arrangements to obtain gold. 

Many, who lay no claim to the wisdom of Solomon, have also visited the 
sea-side. Some of us did not go to arrange plans to send to Ophir for gold. 
On the contrary, I am prepared to believe that some, at least, find the balance 
against them in that direction. They went to the sea.side and left their green- 
backs. And those who went wisely have no tears to, shed, I presume, over 
this sober fact. Men can make greenbacks, but they cannot make the sea. 

I have been to the sea, and although not pretending to be wise like Solo- 
mon, I do not think what I did was unwise. 

A most interesting phenomenon appears at the present time in this country 
in relation to places and methods of recreation. Until within a few years, the 
places which Grod seems to have designed for rest and recuperation, such as 
springs, esa sides, and sublime' mountain situations, have been, to a great 
extent, occupied for purposes of dissipation and sin. This fact was, by many 



SOLOMON AT THE SEA-SIDE. 



65 



good people, transferred (from such occupation) to the idea of recreation it- 
self ; and because Satan was where he had no business to be, many of these 
good folks have come to think that it is almost wrong to venture into places of 
this nature, with the design of making them fit places for rest. That singular 
fact in the history of this country, called Camp-Meetings, has seemed, in the 
providence of God, to pass into a wider and unique sphere of operations, and 
to fill a place hitherto unoccupied. 

Thousands of people came to learn the charm of a few weeks in fresh air, 
amid the green woods ; and the religious influence witnessed in this connec- 
tion, opened the eyes of some to the possibility of adapting this institution to 
take possession of places naturally suited to recreation, and placing them under 
elevating and sanctifying influences. 

Martha's Vineyard was thus occupied, and its fame has become widely 
known. 

Some five years ago, a few Preachers in New Jersey found a spot in the 
sandy wilderness which borders the Atlantic in that State, and thought to build 
a place where a few of them could come and spend a short time by the sea- 
side, and mingle religious devotion with innocent recreation. They soon found 
that many others desired to unite with them, and thus their purpose enlarged 
until, by purchase after purchase, they secured two hundred acres or more. 
This land is covered partially by small oak and pitch-pine trees — yet much of 
it is barren sand on the beach. 

They organized an Association, and laid out this land in lots, avenues, &c, 
and, four years ago, presented their plan to the public, and had their first 
Camp-Meeting. 

I saw their notice in the " Christian Advocate," and having for some years 
desired the advantages of a seaside resort, such as this seemed to be, in con- 
nection with my family I visited it. I found it wild and wilderness-like, but 
saw at once it was the place for me. At that time there was one frame build- 
ing, the office, and a limited number of tents. The air was balmy, scented 
with pines, and, with the mournful dash of the ocean's surf, everything seemed 
subdued, and invited repose. Indeed the spirit of rest pervaded the very at- 
mosphere, and weary and irritated nerves were soothed in the lullaby of the sea 
and the soughing pines. 

These grounds are bounded on the north and south by lakes called Wesley 
and Fletcher. A high board fence encloses the ground on the west, and the 
Atlantic ocean on the east. 

We have here the broad ocean itself without bay or harbor. Consequently 
the surf plays its eternal chorus on the beach — a melancholy sound, and some- 



66 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



what awe-inspiring. With scarcely an exception, there is a strange fascination 
in the sea for all who visit it. 

( •' Is • 

% sj: :jc % 

The place which I have spoken of is called " Ocean Grove." I have told 
you how it appeared when I first saw it. The result of the enterprise, thus 
far, has been to demonstrate that there are thousands of people in this country 
who have felt a desire for such a place of rest and recreation, under religious 
influence and restraints. For only four years have passed since it was brought 
to the attention of the public, and this year [1873] there were, besides some 
half-a dozen or more quite large boarding-houses which were at times crowded, 
about 500 tents, and between 300 and 400 cottages — and these tents and cot- 
tages were generally filled to their capacity. 

Perhaps there were at least 8,000 persons living upon the grounds. And in 
immediate connection with this ground, a Methodist gentleman from New York 
city, has purchased some 500 acres, and, in sympathy with Ocean Grove, de- 
votes his land to the same purpose, calling it " Asbury Park." This is on the 
north of Ocean Grove — and, just south of it, another Methodist gentleman, 
from Newark, N. J., has purchased yet another tract, and made it, also, a sub- 
urb of Ocean Grove. Many beautiful cottages are already completed and oc- 
cupied on these adjacent grounds, which would increase the Camp-Meeting pop- 
ulation (say from August 1 to 15) to near ten thousand — and this is the result 
of only four years' effort. 

Of course this is not a permanent population. These thousands, with few 
exceptions, are here for only a few weeks or months during the season — a vast 
moving multitude, coming from all sections of the United States. This fact 
gives a unique character to the appearance of the place. One is impressed 
with the pilgrim -like aspect of the multitude about him. 

Another fact characterizes this resort. A great proportion of the people 
visiting here are Christians, and active, devoted workers in the Master's vine- 
yard. Thousands of earnest, influential Ministers of the Gospel are among 
the number of visitors. 

Refinement and courtesy surround one, and a great subdued atmosphere is 
prevalent. Profanity, boisterousness, ill-manners are very rare exceptions. 
Peace, sweetness, cheerfulness, characterize men and women as we meet them. 

The religious objective-point of this enterprise, is the promotion of a higher 
and more complete Christian experience ; blending innocent recreation with an 



SOLOMON AT THE SEA-SIDE. 



67 



elevated and full Christian experience — giving to J esus his rightful sovereignty 
over the entire life, with all its pleasures and lawful recreations, as well as over 
its sober duties and sad trials. 

This is giving a broad scope to Christian holiness — but is it not sustained by 
the Gospel itself? Fanaticism has taken an extreme against this, and made 
the unsuccessful attempt to divorce a higher Christian life from human life it- 
self. And thus many sincere Christians have been beguiled into prejudice 
against the sweetest and most satisfactory phase of Christian experience, by 
reason of the ugly uses to which fanaticism would devote it. But wise men 
and women should not permit themselves to be cheated out of the richest gift 
of grace because unwise people have misrepresented it. Jesus is a safe Sa- 
viour, even to the uttermost. 

But the purpose of the men who have this enteprize in hand, savors the 
entire society gathered here. Religious services are held every day for weeks 
and months, one or two, or more, each day. And for ten days each season 
there is a Camp-Meeting. I have never witnessed such Sabbaths as here. The 
gates are closed Saturday evening, and the Sabbath morning dawns upon a 
quiet scene Stillness prevails, except as the sound of sacred song and fer- 
vent prayer is heard. No clatter of wheels, no loud conversation ; you feel in 
your very soul, " This is a real Sabbath." The spirit of repose prevails, and 
woos to devotion. 

It is the custom at six o'clock Sabbath evenings to hold what is termed a 
" surf meetings." A wide and beautiful avenue runs from the grove, where 
religious services are held, directly to the ocean. • A sandy bluff slopes up 
from the beach, and here these unique and remarkable meetings are held. Two 
weeks since there were probably 5,000 persons at the meeting, sitting or stand- 
ing in a kind of ampitheatre, at the base of which was the ocean, whose surf 
kept rolling up and dashing on the beach with measured tone. 

In the midst of this meeting, one remarked that he would like to hear that 
vast concourse join in singing " All hail the power of Jesus' name " ; and, in 
the tune Coronation, the assembled thousands rolled up this grand old hymn, 
while the great ocean played the accompaniment. The setting sun had thrown 
up its tinted canopy in the west, and there, upon the shores of waters stretch- 
ing thousands of miles away — the border of eternity, as it seemed — from thou- 
sands of souls arose the swelling ascription, " Crown him Lord of all." Stu- 
pid indeed must have been the person who was not impressed in the midst of 
such sublimity. 

In these meetings it is interesting to hear the variety of phases in which 
the ocean presents itself as an emblem of Christian experience. The many 
sacred songs appropriate to such a presence, are sung with peculiar interest. 



68 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



These thousands, here together on the brink of the ocean, are to sepatate in 
a few days — many to return here no more : some soon to be borne to their 
graves — all nearing the margin of time, and a goodly number discerning the 
shining shore. 

Heaven must look down upon such a scene with pleasing interest. It does 
not quickly fade from the memory. 

A year ago I was present at a meeting held upon the margin of Wesley Lake, 
which lies between Ocean Grove and Asbury Park. It was ten o'clock at 
night, just after the close of the Camp- Meeting services for the day. There 
was no moon to light the scene, and lanterns were used. A few excellent 
singers moved their little white boats a few rods from shore, while the great 
congregation stood upon the land. A few lights gleamed through the darkness 
across the lake. A splendid singer, standing in a boat, struck up the song 
called the " Life Boat," and other appropriate hymns were sung. It seemed 
as if we had come to witness the departure of souls for the unseen shore. The 
thick shades of night were upon us, but through the gleam of lamps we saw 
the white boats with slight motion, panting, as it seemed, to plunge into the 
beyond. There were lights twinkling through the gloom upon the other 
shore. When we come to the margin, may it be so! songs to cheer us, life 
boats to receive us; lights on the other shore penetrating the gloom, and 
beckoning us away. 

Such are some of the associations and influences of the sea side resort. One 
feels that he is among friends. 

With such surroundings, the admirable advantages here afforded for surf- 
bathing are greatly enjoyed by the many people who delight in this refreshing 
recreation. One never witnesses rowdyism. Refined ladies and dignified men 
soon learn that the proper sense of propriety is not to be shocked, and they 
soon enter into the enjo}ment of the foaming surf with some of us who have 
been longer in the brine. 

And this surf is a great leveller. Grave doctors of divinity and stately 
matrons find it no respecter of persons, and stiff gravity soon gives way to 
youthful exuberance. Stern, care-worn men become boys again for the time, 
and really, I have come to believe more in some aspects of humanity, as I have 
witnessed the effect of surf-bathing upon sober and severe persons, who scarcely 
seemed to have a fellow-feeling in them. I wish all our Ministers and con- 
gregations could go through the process for a few weeks each Summer. I reckon 
there would be more elasticity, if it could be so. And these venerable doc- 
tors who are writing such doleful editorials in our papers respecting ministerial 
vacations, I would greatly enjoy it to see them in the surf when the breakers 



SOLOMON AT THE SEA-SIDE. 



6 9 



rolled high enough to make them in doubt as to whether they ran a paper or 
a submarine battery. It would not hurt them, and might help them to look 
upon human interests with more practical wisdom. 

You must not infer that the peace which I have described to you is heaven, 
or that everybody who goes there is without selfishness or infirmity. 

I would impress you in this description with the fact that thus far, in this 
and similar enterprises, Christianity has to some extent demonstrated its power 
to influence places devoted to recreation, and not only save from dissipation, 
but send men and women to their homes renewed in spiritual strength as well 
as physical. No matter what men may write or say, there are men and women 
in this country who will take some time for recreation, and I do not believe 
they are less wise than those who do not. And it is inhuman to deny care- 
worn men and women the privilege to renew their strength for the battles of 
life. With this demand in view, it is a matter of gratitude that God in His 
providence, and by the power of His grace, has given to the people places of 
resort where Christian society may be enjoyed; and also places where persons 
of limited means may enjoy what heretofore only the rich could afford. The 
rapid and vast increase of the numbers who from all sections of the United 
States visit this and similar resorts, shows that a real demand existed for such 
places ; and one who loves humanity can but feel grateful that in this nation 
the toil worn thousands are learning that it is consistent with all genuine human 
interests to take a little time to see God's sublime works in creative, and mingle 
with their fellow- men of other than our neighborhoods. 

In such a place as the one of which I have spoken, one looks upon his 
whole country to some extent; Ministers learn from each other and from the 
Church at large, and get wider views of things, and become better fitted for 
successful and courageous work at home. Citizens of the North and the 
South, and East and West, form pleasant acquaintance with each other, and 
thus sectional prejudices are removed, and Christian union and national union 
are promoted. When one returns home, he thinks, as he toils, of the esteemed 
friends with whom he has become acquainted in other and distant sections, who, 
like him, are pressing onward the interests of the Church and humanity — and 
his heart takes courage from his knowledge of so many fellow- workers in the 
glorious strife. 

It is interesting to look upon the hundreds of white, comely tents, many of 
them furnished like parlors. There were, as I have stated, 500 of them this 
year — a city of tents. People of wealth and social position, as well as others 
in less affluent circumstances, occupy these tents, and there is a charm in living 
thus in this balmy air. After living in tents a few weeks the confined air of 



7° 



OCEAN GROVE, N. j. 



dwellings seems almost stifling. The light'and air and simplicity of tent-life 
make one feel as if a new and fresher life had dawned upon him. You think 
of the patriarchs, and seem to realize something of their simple and suhlime 
life. Tent-life by the sea ! Would that bleached humanity could be turned 
out doors during the Summer, and enjoy this closer relation to fresh air and 
healing light. 

Wandering on the ocean beach is strangely interesting. Before you are 
aware of it you find yourself eagerly searching among the waifs thrown up by 
the surf — fragments, etc., from passing ships, and possibly from wrecks, are 
strewn upon the sand, and in the loneliness seem weird, and, fascinating, beguile 
your feet onward involuntarily through the sand while you watch successive 
waves, and search the deposit left in the recession. It seems like searching 
upon life's strand for mementoes wafted from the spirit world. 

As you see one thus wandering and searching on the ocean beach, how like 
a bereaved relative searching for some token from the departed — perhaps 
tokens from a wreck; a wrecked immortality. Very sad is such a search. 
Heaven save us, and save the friends who shall weep over us, from such a 
hopeless stroll on life's shores. 

A very interesting and unique event occurred a few weeks since , on the 
ocean beach. A lady, who has been employed for several years in the United 
States Treasury Department at Washington, and whose place is now occupied 
by a lady who is a member of this Church, arranged to have her marriage 
with the Presiding Elder of Charleston District, S. C, take place on the 
beach at Ocean Grove. And just at the sunset hour, by the great ocean, in 
the presence of thousands of witnesses, the beautiful ceremony of our Church 
was pronounced by Rev. J. S. Inskip, of the National Camp Meeting Com- 
mittee, assisted in the ceremony by myself. Silent and most impressive was 
the scene. Only the measured dash of the surf and the voice of the officiating 
clergyman were heard. Ic seemed fitting that the new life of wedded union 
should begin on the shore of that vast sea, so calmly reposing at this impressive 
hour. There was a harmony in the occasion and the surroundings, and a 
wedding on the ocean beach seemed to be the poetry of marriage. 

I noticed in some of the papers last week some criticisms upon the idea of 
Camp-Meetings at such places as Ocean Grove. Doubts were thrown upon 
their fervor and efficiency. I know not how it has been at other places, such 
as Martha's Vineyard, Sea Cliff, Shelter Island, etc., but, as to Ocean Grove, 
I know that Christian power has been great, and its influence marked and 
powerful I never saw more powerful Camp-Meeting services than were 
witnessed at Ocean Grove last Sabbath. The exercises of the day were ushered 



Solomon at the sea-side. 



7i 



in by a Love-Feast, and this was a season of unusual interest. Witnesses for 
Jesus, from all parts of this country, arose and gave telling testimonies. Not 
only Methodists, but members of other denominations were among the joyful 
witnesses. It should be borne in mind that Ocean Grove and other religious 
resorts of this character are quite largely patronized by the various denomina- 
tions. The Love-Feast last Sabbath morning closed gloriously, and with prac- 
tical results. Towards its close, Mrs. Thomas, lately returned from India, 
whose Pastor I was previous to her departure for that land, 12 years since, 
arose and gave a melting testimony. At her side was a young mother, with 
her two children, whom Mrs. Thomas had brought from India, and who had 
been converted from heathenism. This devoted Missionary spoke of her joy 
in the Missionary work, and as she sat down she clasped the beautiful little 
boy from India in her arms as if he were the fruit of her own life. Those of 
us who were acquainted with Sister Thomas, knew this was no sham, and no 
mere impulse. She and her husband have already given $20,000 of their own 
, means to found a Training School in India ; and, more than this, had conse- 
crated their lives to the work. 

The great congregation, already aglow with religious fervor, was deeply 
moved, and then and there hundreds of dollars were given to help them in 
their Missionary work in India. 

The day passed on with powerful and telling work for Jesus, until near the 
evening hour, when, strangely, as people were coming from tea, a lady whom 
many of you know, in passing the Preachers' stand, saw some standing near 
who seemed anxious, and invited them then and there to seek Jesus. Three 
or four came — no man, no Preacher was present to conduct the services. She 
hastened and obtained a devoted woman; prayer and singing and exhortation 
followed ; the crowds increased ; seats were placed away down through the 
great congregation, and wherever they could be, and were filled with seekers. 
Preaching was dispensed with, and the work went on — and the converts mul- 
tiplied. It was an occasion of overwhelming power — and some of these criti- 
cisms written by men in their offices, who know nothing personally of the 
facts, seem like silly trash in the presence of such a scene as that at Ocean 
Grove last Sabbath eve. Pentecostal power swayed and awed the masses. 

If you want to hear such singing as you can have no where else this side of 
heaven, go to a live Camp-Meeting. The singing alone is enough to sweep 
down the powers of hell. 

Christianity has proved its power to tone and influence the recreations of 
the sea-side, and convert and sanctify men in the very midst of these recrea- 
tions. 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



Last Monday morning we entered the cars at Long Branch — the people 
from the two classes of influence, Long Branch and Ocean Grove, met. In 
a little while a lady in a forward seat began to sing, " Jesus, lover of my 
soul." I was curious ; thought perhaps she was a little out of place there. — 
But, to my surprise, first from one, then another, her strain was caught up all 
through the coach, and Ocean Grove poured the gospel of song over the gay 
revellers of Long Branch. I am persuaded that some of them must have 
thought that this was higher toned than horse-racing — at any rate more be- 
fitting Christian men and women. 

* * * * * * 

My tent is struck : vacation past, and I am in the field again, to do the 
Master's bidding. I find the successive circumstances of life which come to 
me, all of them, suggestive of my pilgrim condition. May God help you and 
me to work where we are, and do that which is at hand ! 




Wesley Lake, 
From the Turnpike Bridge, looking towards the Sea. 




Haywood Cottage. 
Residence of J. K. Haywood, Esq., Corner of Lake and 
New Jersey Avenues. 



THtt CHILDREN, 



THE CHILDREN AT OCEAN GROVE. 



I am so situated with my business in the city that I can only be with my 
family a part of the week at Ocean Grove — so that wife has nearly all the 
care of the children— six wide-awake little fellows. I have said to her some- 
times, '■ I fear the care of them will be too much for you, and spoil your en- 
joyment." The answer has been : " My health and spirits are improving 
very much under it. Indeed, my principal care for the little ones is to have 
their meals ready in time, and see that they have enough to eat ; for their 
appetites are truly wonderful. When they are out of doors, I have no anx- 
iety about them, for I feel that they are perfectly safe any where in Ocean 
Grove ; and I know they are as happy as they can live. r. j. a. 



THE SURE- MEETINGS. 



Among the most popular of all the services held at Ocean Grove, are 
those denominated the Surf-Meetings. They are held at the foot of Ocean 
Pathway, one of the most magnificent avenues in the land ; and come at a 
time when all the business of the day is about over, and both body and min d 
are prepared for repose. They seem to combine all of the spiritual sentiment 
which can be derived from natural religion and the most fervid appreciation 
of the atonement The broad ocean, telling of Gjd the Creator, and urging 
His worship in its one surf-song, speaks to an assembly who have just left 
the altar worship of God the Redeemer. Nature and grace assert that there 
is no antagonism between them, but that both shall bend knees together in 
God's worship. There is a religious enjoyment in this far beyond what is used 
in either religious or sentimental experience. The blended ideas exhilerate the 
whole religious element of one's being. The natural and the spiritual come to- 
gether in a manner which gives the best of both. The enjoyment makes us 
wonder that men do so much worshipping in costly temples, when the groves 
and seasides are open. No temple can be made which will suggest eternity as 
will the sea, and nothing will tell the insignificance of time as will the little 
strips of sand which line it, while the roar of the surf is speaking constantly 



74 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



of departure. The people gather in this spot by thousands. On Sabbath 
evening, although the usual summer population of the Grove was not nearly all 
present, nearly two thousand people were at the meeting. There would 
be a song of praise, in which every voice joined, rising and swelling upon 
the evening air in a grand diapason which made the usual " church singing" 
appear, as it often is, the most effete of all the services of religion. 

The sunset gates of the sky rolled back their bars of gold in such a way as 
almost to leave the impression that the "Gates Ajar" were something more 
than a poetic fancy, and that the angels had drawn back those shining bolts to 
listen to the song. A. E. b. 



AMANDA SMITH AT OCEAN GROYE. 



The exercises of this devout and gifted woman were highly appreciated and 
very profitable. Her utterances were with power, and her songs moved all 
hearts. 

She said — " I used to ask God to give me a great blessing, a wonderful 
amount of grace, and I expected to get it in a large quantity all at once, so that 
I should have stock laid in for the future. I asked for patience, and expected 
to get it just like a great big lump of gold so that it would last me for a long 
while ) but I was wonderfully disappointed. The Lord didn't give it to me 
in that way at all. But He gave it to me just as I needed it. When the 
trials came, there came the grace required to meet them. When the duties 
came, then the strength was given to do them, and so day by day I have proved 
the truth of the promise, 1 As thy days so shall thy strength be.' " 

GIVING UP ALL TO WORK FOR JESUS. 

Speaking of being called to evangelistic labors, she said — "I hadn't much to 
give up, that's true, only two wash-tubs, a wash-board, and four smoothing 
irons ; but that was as much for me to give as a good many thousands of 
dollars' worth for some folks — because it was my all. It was what I had to 
depend on for a living. I lived by washing and ironing. But the Lord said 
'Go and do my work, and I'll take care of you and so He has taken care of 
me — blessed be His name! I've never wanted anything but what it has been 
given me. He supplies all my needs through his dear children ; and I don't 
have to ask them fur it, either. 



AMANDA SMITH AT OCEAN GROVE. 



75 



" Soon after I started out, a good Christian lady said to me, ' Now I think 
you had better have a paper and go round and ask for assistance, as you are 
going to spend your time working for the good cause. I know a good many 
who would be glad to help you/ So the lady wrote something on a paper and 
told me where to go. I kind o' felt that it wasn't the best way to do, but I 
went to a good lady that I knew and handed the paper to her. She looked at' 
it and said, ' Yes, I'll give thee something, Amanda; but does thee think this 
is the best way for thee to do it V I said : 1 JVo, I don't ; and I didn't much 
want to do it. Now I won't ask another one — I'll just trust in G-od/ From 
that time I've never asked for anything, and all my need has been supplied/' 

WHAT PERFECT LOVE HAD SAVED HER FROM. 

After having spoken of several things which she had been saved from by 
the power of perfect love — she said it had saved her from the desire to be 
white.' It used to cause her great trouble that her skin was black. She 
thought she might be somebody in the world if she was only loliite — but she 
must be looked down upon and be nobody, and she grieved and fretted about 
it, until her heart was washed from all impurity, and made white by the blood 
of the Lamb ; and then she was perfectly satisfied to be black outside, because 
she was white inside, and Jesus could look into her heart and see his image 
there. That was enough. She had never since felt a sad thought about her 
color or her situation in life. It was all right ; she wouldn't have it different 
if she could, and all her thought and care was how she could please Grod and 
do the work He had given her to do. x 

[A young lady listening to this recital said to one sitting beside her, " Oh, I 
wish I could enjoy what- that woman does! I would be willing to be as black 
as she is if I could only be as good " Her friend replied — "You can be just 
as good as she is, and be what you' are."] 

KEEPING STILL. 

At another time, Sister Smith said: — "When I was asking the Lord to 
write His law on my heart, He showed me that I must keep right still before 
Him, if I would have His law written there. You know if you were going to 
write on a piece of paper, or anything else, you could not write if it was being 
moved about all the time ; it must be kept still and not be moving. Just so I 
found I must be perfectly quiet if the Lord would write -on my heart. The 
cares of life, and the opinions of the world, its smiles or its frowns, its joys or 
sorrows, must not move me. I must just have one object in view— think of 
nothing else — care for nothing besides — be steady and quiet before God; then 
He wrote his law on my heart, and it is fixed; yes ; my heart is fixed to do 
His will." 



"6 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



From her own heart-felt experience she could say, " Great peace have they 
that love Thy law, and nothing shall offend them." That passage of God's 
word had a deeper meaning to her ever since she had a severe trial when the 
grace of meekness was tested to the uttermost. 

Traveling on a railroad she was 

TREATED ROUGHLY BY THE CONDUCTOR, 

who required her to go into the smoking car. She had shown him her ticket, 
which entitled her to a seat in a first-class car. She said, " After leaving me, 
he sent a man to tell me I must go out of that car ; and I said to him, 'I will 
wait until the conductor shall tell me to leave ; he has seen my ticket, and I 
will stay here until he comes ' The report was given to the conductor, and 
immediately he came and seized me with great rudeness, and undertook to 
force me to leave the car. I told him that was unnecessary, I would go with- 
out force, and at once went into the smoking car. I thought it was very hard 
and cruel treatment ; it hurt my feelings very much ; but right away I began 
praying for the man, and kindest feeling toward him took possession of my 
heart; nothing like resentment was there ; but pity and compaasion for the 
poor sinner, and earnest desire for his salvafion. The peace of God did 
indeed keep my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. I felt calm and happy " 




Sea Front Cottage. 
Residence of Mrs. E. Sheridan, Cor. of Main and Ocean Aves. 




Superintendent's Cottage. 

Residence of Rev. H. B. Beegle, Supt. of Ocean Grove, 
Cor. of Main and Delaware Aves. 



AFTER CAMP-MEETING . 

AFTER CAMP-MEETING-OCEAN GROYE. 



BY REV. E. H. STOKES. 

Sing the Doxology, for God is good : 
Sing the Doxology, for victories gained ; 

Sing the Doxology, for hell withstood, 
Sing the Doxology for faith maintained. 

The harvest, now, and Summer, too, are past, 
The tents at Ocean Grove are taken down ; 

Hearts which were blended fondly to the last, 
Gone to their labor in the distant town. 

Old Ocean's path still leads down to the sea — 
The path where many thousands daily trod ; 

But feet which pressed it gay or thoughtfully ; 
Walk here no more — and some are now with God ! 

Here are the trees, which still are clasping hands : 
And here the seats— but congregation gone : 

And here the motto of our Cookman stands : 
And here the cross, the anchor, and the crown. 

Here is the place where earnest men have-stood, 
Preaching the Word with holiest acclaim : 

Their steps have homeward turned — hut, lo ! the good 
Which they achieved forever shall remain. 

The songs of ransom'd hosts have died away : 
The mighty prayer that touched the Throne above ; 

The voice of happy children in their play — 
The oft -told tale of Jesus and His love. 

The fragile forms of youth and maidenhood, 
Gliding, like fairy elfs, in twilight gray, 

Whose voices echoed through the solemn wood, 
All. with a merry bound, have passed away. 

The lake lies slumb : ring 'neath the moonlit sky, 
The boats are moored along the silent shore : 

Down in the deep their darkened shadows lie, 
And hushed the sound of silver-dripping oar. 

And yet the grand old ocean surges high, 
Lashing, or laving all the sunlit shore — 

Howling its dirges to the stormy sky, 
Or sobbing lullaby's forever more. 

But when the ocean's surge shall beat no more. 

And all its ancient billows cease to roll, 
This song shall swell upon the eternal shore. 

" Our God, at Ocean Grove, hath saved a soul 



Oceax Grove. N. J. 



78 OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



Lot and Cottage folders at Ocean Grove, June, 1874, 



The names marked thus * indicate that persons have built upon their lots — hut a 
simple count of those thus marked will not give the true number of buildings, for in 
some instances the same person, owning three, four or even five lots, has erected cot- 
tages on each. 



Abbett, Leon... New York. 

*Ashrnore, Theo....New Brunswick, N. J. 

Atkinson, Mary Bridgeton, N. J. 

Alvord, James B.... West Winstead, Conn. 

*Ashton, Joseph Trenton, N. J. 

Allen, Hannah W Clarksburg, N.J. 

*Arndt. Kev. K. S Newark, N. J. 

Atwood, Abigail Trenton, N. J. 

*Adams, Bev. B. M Hempstead, L. I. 

^Ainsworth, William Frankford, Phila. 

*Abrams, Mary A " " 

*Andress, Joanna Philadelphia, Pa. 

Atwood, Bev. J Trenton, N. J. 

Applegate, C. H New York. 

Andrews, Bev. B. J. Pemberton, N. J. 

Alday, Bev. J. H Ocean Grove, N. J. 

*Ashmead, Mary W Camden, N. J. 

Anderson, C Brooklyn, N. Y. 

^Applegate, Bue Ocean Grove, N. J. 

Brewster, Elizabeth Newmarket, N. J. 

*Ballard, Bev. A. E....Long Branch, N. J. 

Brvan, Lydia M Albany, N. Y. 

Buck, Bev. D Warwick, N. Y. 

Beach, Mary J New York. 

*Brown,.Kev. H. M. Long Branch, N. J. 

~*Brown, James Philadelphia. 

Brown, Caroline Mattawan 

Benner, J. B Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Battershall, T. A New York. 

Burcalow, Susan Oceanport, N. J. 

*Brown, D. H Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Burrows, Waters Jersey City, N. J. 

*Breck, Matilda W Brooklyn, N. Y. 

*Burr, Bev. J. K.. Madison, N. J. 

^Browning, B. H Camden, N. J. 

Banks, Mary P Pleasantville, N. Y. 

Barrett, I. M Wilkesbarre, Pa. 

Beegle, Bev. H. B Ocean Grove, N. J. 

*Brinck, P. C Camden, N. J. 

Burr, Bev. E. W Jersey City, N. J. 

*Biles, Elizabeth ...Trenton, N. J. 

Brown, Eliza Philadelphia. 

Byram, A. J Trenton, N. J. 

Byram, W. B " " 

^Borden, Mrs. A. W Jacobstown, N. J. 

*Brown, Henry S Bochester, N. Y. 

Rrown, J. M Jersey City, N. J. 



*Bruner, A Columbia, Pa. 

"^Black, James Lancaster, Pa. 

*Brown, W. T. Hightstown, N. J. 

Bottome, Bev. F New York. 

Barnum, E. B " " 

Brown, Bev. J. E " 

Burtiss, W. J Hightstown, N. J. 

Ballantine, G. H Frankford, Phila. 

*Bowne, Ann Eliza 

Blair, Mary A. Philadelphia 

Blauvelt, Bev. G. M Tappan, N. Y. 

Brown, Bev. G. F Trenton, N. J. 

Bilbrough, Joseph Frankford, Pa. 

Bull, James F New York. 

Barnum, Bev. F. S Yonkers, N. Y. 

Bliss, Bev. G.... Cleveland, O. 

*Boyle, Bev. W. E....Merchantville, N. J. 

Burch, Bev. T. H New York. 

*Briggs, M " " 

*Boswell, Mary L Philadelphia. 

Bomgardner, I). L Beverly, N. J. 

Beatty, Asher, Nourseville, Pa. 

*Brown, D. M Windsor, N. J. 

Brown, Mary, Palatine, N. Y. 

Beach, Emma, Montgomery, N. Y. 

Bod fish, Abbie H New Haven, Conn. 

Bodine, Maggie A New York. 

^Benedict, H. W New Haven, Conn. 

Bower, Buth, Trenton, N. J. 

Beach, W. H .....New York. 

Barlow, Lewis M West Minden, Conn. 

Bennett, William Newark, N. J. 

Babb, Barbara O » Beading, Pa. 

Brown, Pierson, Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Bartine, Sarah M Harlem, N. Y. 

Broadbent, Bev. G. S Boxboro', Phila. 

*Brown, Warren, Mattawan, N. J. 

Black, Eliza M. Lancaster, Pa. 

Bennett, J. W Ocean Grove, N. J. 

Backus, Hannah M Newark, N. J. 

Cockefair Ella Moorestown, N. J. 

Chadwick, S. S New Bedford, Mass. 

Clark, Bev. Joseph,... Mannahawkin, N. J. 

" x "Copeland, George, New York. 

*Cottrell, Henry Farmingdale.. 

*Chattle, Eliz. W Long Branch, N. J 

Cheeseman, G. W Birmingham, Conn' 



LIST OF LOT AND COTTAGE OWNERS. 



79 



Gary, W Troy, N. Y. 

Cosad, Dr. J. W...» Jersey City, N. J. 

-Cookman, Annie E Philadelphia. 

Cooper, Magdalena Freehold, N. J. 

Cookman, Rev. J. E New York. 

*Clark, James H Trenton, X. J. 

*Closson, Emeline " " 

" :f Coleman, Margaret G.-Williamsport, Pa. 

-Carver, S. W Frankford, Phila. 

-'Castor, Thomas " " 

Cook, J. C Trenton, N. J. 

*Cooper, J. G Freehold, N. J. 

Coward, C. I Philadelphia. 

Chenoweth, A. C .'Washington, D. C. 

Carr, Maria Mt. Holly, N. J. 

Conkling, J. S Passaic, N. J. 

*Covle, Rev. J Newark, N. J. 

*Childs, Marilla W....Binghampton, N. Y. 

Clark, Mary E. Y Trenton, N. J. 

*Cheeseman, Ellen Frankford, Philada. 

Culver, B. F Birmingham, Mass. 

Colby, Charlotte S Concord, N. H. 

Cline, Rev. P Gloucester City, N. J. 

-Clayton, C. C Freehold, N. J. 

Coffin, Eliza J New York. 

Cannon, Anna C " " 

Clark, Marvin Camden, N. J. 

Conklin, J. W..... Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Caswell, Edwin, Illion, N. Y. 

Chew, Rev. S. N ...Reading, Pa, 

Craig, Rev. R. H Otisville, N. Y. 

-Cox, Mary A Cranberry, N. J. 

-Daniels, Rev. J. R Dover, N. J. 

-Davison, Marv B Trenton, N. J. 

-Dickey, T. M.* Rutherford Park, N. J. 

*Darrah, J. E Trenton, N, J. 

-Davies, Thomas New York. 

-Duffield, Emma Philadelphia. 

-Davies Hannah New York. 

-Dalton, William .- Trenton, N. J. 

Day, Rev. E. A .Jersey City, N. J. 

*Dungan, J. H Philadelphia. 

Deitz, W. H 

fDickerson, Rev. J... " 

Danser, Christianna Windsor, N. J. 

-Dobbins, Rev. J. B Lancaster, Pa. 

Deitz, Martha J Lyons, N. Y. 

-Dyer, Clara N Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Darvies, Mary E Newark, N. J. 

-Develin, James Philadelphia. 

-Dey, I. M Ocean Grove, N. J. 

Dixon, Jenny, New York. 

Dey Enoch Hightstown, N. J. 

Dodge, Harriet Otisville, N. Y. 

Dumont, R. S Albany, N. Y. 

Douglass, W. B '..Newark, N. J. 

*Davison, John Swedesboro, N. J. 

Dunham, Phebe K Elizabeth, N. J. 

*Evans, G. W Philadelphia. 

^Edwards, Hattie N Brooklyn, N. Y. 



Early, Aaron, Pemberton, N. J. 

"Early Jacob, Hightstown, N. J. 

Edgar, S. T.... Philadelphia. 

Eaton, Rev. H Albanv, N. Y. 

-Eakins, W. H Philadelphia. 

Eldridge, G. W Hightstown, N. J. 

Eaton, Rev. J. W West Troy, N. Y. 

-Earlv, Mary G Hightstown, N. J. 

-Fuller, W. J. A New York. 

-Ferree, G. W Philadelphia. 

Fin law, W. P Bridgeton, N. J. 

Finlaw, G. W 

"Ferrry, A. E « 

Foote, H. L New York. 

-Friend, Mary E Philadelphia. 

Fay, J. D Eatontown, N. J. 

-Flitcroft, J. D Farmingdale, N. J. 

Freeman, Mary,..- Bridgeport, Conn. 

-Franklin, Mary A.... Ocean. Grove, N. J. 

-Franklin, Rev. W South River, N. J. 

Foulks, Rev. J. B Orange, N. J. 

-Forst, D. P Trenton, N. J. 

-Fisher, G. M 

^Ferris, Anna J Trenton, N. J. 

*Fisk, D. V Hightstown, N. J. 

Falconer, J « New York. 

France, Rev. H. S Baltimore. 

France, Rev. J..... " 

-Fielder, J. W Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Flatt, W. H , Rah way, N. J. 

-Fielding, Robert New York. 

-Fielding, George " " 

-Grigg, G New Brunswick, N. J. 

Goodall, S Philadelphia. 

Graham, J. R Bridgeton, N. J. 

Gillespie, W. W Trenton, N. J. 

Gracey, Rev. S. L Pawtucket, R. I. 

Glover, Rev. C. E Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Garden, Mary, Philadelphia. 

^Godfrey, Matilda Ocean Grove, N. J. 

-Godfrey, T. A ... " 

-Greenbank, J New Brunswick, N. J. 

Greenbank, Rev. W. E Winslow, N. J. 

Greenbank, Elizabeth, Philadelphia. 

Gilbert, A. H Derby, Conn. 

Gaelbagh, Harriet Lancaster, Pa. 

Gray, Rev. E..S Baltimore, Md. 

Gibson, Tom New York. 

-Gardner Calvin Ocean Grove, N. J. 

Hoag, R. T Albany, N. Y. 

*Hayward, Mrs. J. K New York. 

Hartranft, Rev. C. R...Lambertsville, N. J. 

Hurley, Austin, Farmingdale, N.J. 

Hurley, Hugh " " 

-Hibbs, Everline Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Hewitt, Rev. E. Mount Holly, N. J. 

Howland, Cook Shark River, N. J. 

Huking, L. J New York. 

-Howland, C. L Ocean Grove. 

-Hampton, Charles " . " 



So 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



*Hoag, Angelica .....New York. 

Hatfield, Millie Trov, N. Y. 

Hallowell, J. E Philadelphia. 

*Howland, C. E Ocean Grove. 

Hillman, J Trov, N. Y. 

*Hughes, Kev. G Philadelphia. 

Hayter, Rev. H. J. .New Springville, N. Y. 

Harcourt, Kev. K Elizabeth, N. J. 

*Hostetier, D • Lancaster, Pa. 

Hanlon, Eev. Thomas....... .Trenton, N. J. 

--Hutchinson, CM " " 

Hardy, J. A New York. 

•"Hays, Henrietta H Newark, N. J. 

*Higley, A. H New York. 

Hoe, Mary Emma.... " " 

Harreys, Josephine T Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Hays, Harriet S Wilmington, Del. 

*Hulse, R Freehold, N. J. 

^Hughes, Smith E Germantown, Pa. 

Herbert, Mary E Frankford, Phila. 

Hammond, Eev. S. M Freeport, L. I. 

^Hamilton, G. J New York. 

Holmes, Jennie Yonkers, N. Y. 

Haddock & Son Philadelphia. 

Hawkshurst, Rev. P .. Hudson, N. Y. 

Hawkshurst, Rev. J. H Amenia, N. Y. 

* Heisley, Rev. C. W. New Brunswick. N.J. 

Heidemonk, Cecelia New York. 

Hammond, Rev. S. P.... Jersey City, N. J. 

Hawkshurst, Kate Hudson, N. Y. 

*Halfman, Barbary A Philadelphia. 

^Heritage, J. D Philadelphia. 

Howe, Rev. J. M .Passaic, N. J. 

*Hulse, Margaret...- Freehold, N. J. 

-Hawthorn, E Bridgeton, N. J. 

*Hertzell, W. B Reading, Pa. 

Hibbard, Rev. F. G..Clifton Springs, N. Y. 

-'Harper, Mary A. Philadelphia. 

Hemmenway, S New York. 

Horton, Eliza Philadelphia, 

Humphreys, Rev. R. W 

Heisler, Rev. J. S Bridgeton, N. J. 

;f Higley, Sarah A ...Brooklyn, N. Y. 

*Hulshart, Jesse. Ocean Grove. 

;: H u lse, William.... " •< 

*Izard, Marv Clayton, N. J. 

Ivins, Matilda Trenton, N. J. 

Ingraham, W. J. P Philadelphia. 

" : Mirneson, J. H Hight^town, N. J. 

* James, David Philadelphia. 

^"James, Martha H " 

Jenks, A. S 

Jimeson, W. C Alientown, N. J. 

Jordon, W. F .'.New York. 

Clones, W. J., Bristol, Pa. 

^Jimeson, C. W New York. 

Johnson, Mary F Trenton, N. J. 

* James, Mary D " " 

*Jaquett, Rev. S Ocean Grove. 

^Johnson, Jonathan Paterson ; N. J, 



Johnson, Sarah Sandy Hook. 

Jimeson, Martin V Trenton, N. J. 

* Johnson, Rev. P. C Medford, N. J. 

^Jackson, Thomas Blue Ball, N. J. 

James, Rev. J. H.. .Stafford Springs, Mass. 

Johnson, W. C Guthriesville, Pa. 

Jimeson Bros 

* Jones, S. D Newark, N. J. 

Kingsbury, Rev. J. A. .Perth Amboy, N. J. 

Kendrick, Louisa E Trenton, N. J. 

Ketcham, S —Farmingdale, N. J. 

Kyte, Peter ....Trenton, N. J. 

Kenny, Rev. E Bethel, Md. 

King,' Rev. I. D Red Bank, N. J. 

Kerr, Hermina Philadelphia. 

Katzenbach, G Trenton, N. J. 

Kidder, Rev. D. P Madison, N. J. 

^Kennedy, Alex. C Philadelphia. 

Little, Rev. C. E Newark, N. J. 

*Lazear, S. T Warwick, N. Y. 

* Lawrence, Mrs. R. V Ocean Grove. 

Lippincott, W m...* Philadelphia. 

Lawrence, Ednetta Trenton, N. J. 

Lindslay, J. G Rondout, N. Y. 

Lafetra, Emma H Eatontown, N. J. 

Lord, W Newark, N. J. 

Lazear, Minerva Chicago 

Lewis, Mrs. Rev. T. W.-Wilbraham, Mass. 

Landon, G Harlem, N. Y. 

Landon, Rev. T. H Rahway, N. J. 

Lindslav, J. W Trenton, N. J. 

*Lord, E. H 

*Lillagore, T. W Philadelphia. 

Lawrence, Flenry C 

Lindslay, Sarah Trenton, N. J. 

*Lyford, J Ocean Grove. 

Lambourn, Emma...Manhattanville, N. Y. 

*Lord, Mary C Trenton, N. J. 

"^Liming, Lewis Ocean Grove. 

"""Moore, Rev. James... Mauricetown, N. J. 

Malocsay, Francis ... New York. 

*Mc Kee, Sarah E Philadelphia. 

^Matthews, W. G " 

Matthews, Wm : " 

Morris, Rev. G. K Camden, N. J. 

*Masden, Rev. C, P Philadelphia. 

McClure, Thos . Brandywine, Pa. 

McGill, Caroline M...Long Branch, N. J. 

-"Myers, W. L Philadelphia. 

Martin, J. P Shark River, N. J. 

*Mann, A Orange, N. J. 

Martin, Mary M Lancaster, Pa. 

McClellan, R. W Philadelphia. 

Marsh, C Princeton, N. J. 

Murrav, Maggie E Lancaster, Pa. 

*Myers, S. M 

*McPherson, J Trenton, N. J. 

Maps, W. R Long Branch, N. J. 

Manning, R. S Trenton, N. J. 

McDaniels, D Wilmington, Del. 



LIST OF LOT AND COTTAGE OWNERS. 8 1 



McCauley, Sybilla « 

Moody, W Philadelphia. 

Mulford, Mary A Wilkesbarre, Pa. 

*McLean, Alex New York. 

*McKnight, James Reading, Pa. 

Morrow, G. T Brooklyn. 

*Murphy, Sarah A New York. 

*Morrison, Elizabeth.... Hightstown, N. J. 

*Morrison, Maggie " " 

-Murphy, H. W Freehold, N. J. 

Manning, Harriet E Buffalo, N. Y. 

Mclntyre, Rev. A Ellen ville, N. Y. 

Morrison, S. D West Point, N. Y. 

McComas, N Doylestown, Pa. 

Moffett, Rev. W. W Vineland, N. J. 

*Miller, R. G New Brunswick, N. J. 

McCurdv, I Brooklyn. 

-Mead, A. H Camden, N. J. 

*Maddock, Rev. G. C.Bordentown. N. J. 

McClain, O. D New York. 

Miller, Fanny Philadelphia. 

More, H. P Hartford, Conn. 

-Morrison, Robert New York. 

Morton, Mary J Trenton, N. J. 

Morehouse, Rev. G. C. 

Mechanicsville, N. Y. 

*McCall, Lavinia Ocean Grove, N. J. 

Mead, Rev. M. B.. ..Lansingburgh, N. Y. 

Metcalf, A. R Keene, N. H. 

Maynard, F. H Providence, R. I. 

Maynard, Sophia E " " 

Morris, Wesley K Farmingdale, N. J. 

Mullock, Emeline Otisville, N.Y. 

*McKnight, Andora E Reading, Pa. 

McDougall, Jennie C—Atlantic City, N. J. 

*McCall, J Ocean Grove, N. J. 

*McKay, Stephen...... 

McBride, Rev. H. C....Frenchtown, N. J. 

*Newton, R. N Albany. 

*Newell, Elizabeth. -New Brunswick, N.J. 

-Newell, A. D ■ " 

Oldknow, Kate Philadelphia. 

*Osborn, Rev. W. B Atlanta, Ga. 

-Osborn, Sarah New York. 

-Osborn, Sarah A " 

-Outcalt, R. A Camden, N. J. 

Oakey, J New York. 

Orelup, J..., Troy, N. Y. 

Orr, Rev. R. T. X ...Philadelphia. 

-Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. 

Grove Cottage, with other buildings, 
near entrance. 

General Store Building (Jemison ( s). 

Association Office. 

Post Office. 

Ice House. 

Summer Houses on the Beach. 
General Storage House. 
Tent House. 
2 Cottages. 

Superintendent's Cottage, &c. 



*Platt, Rev. S. H Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Perrins, T Philadelphia. 

Potter, Miss E. A " 

*Perigo, Alfred New York. 

Perigo, Ira K " 

Price, Thomas Philadelphia, 

Parks, S Troy, N. Y. 

^Peacock, Joshua Camden, N. J. 

^Phillips, J Sharpsville, Pa. 

*Phillips, W Newton, N. J. 

Pegg, Rev. J Norwalk, Conn. 

Post, S. R New York. 

Pearne, Rev. W. H Salem, N. J 

*Pullen, E Trenton, N. J. 

*Phelps, Rev. J. S Camden, N. J. 

Peck, Mrs. Mary M Newark, N. J. 

*Patterson, A. H Turkey, N. J. 

Post, M. H Wilkesbarre, Pa. 

*Potts, W. A Baltimore. 

Porter, Rev. J. W Phoenixville, Pa. 

Pepper, Rev. E. I. D Philadelphia. 

Packard, Mrs. Celinda New York. 

*Pearce, T. C Highstown, N. J. 

Parker, Joel, Gov. N. J.... Freehold, N. J. 

Relyea, Rev. M Pennington, N. J. 

*Reese, Mary A New York. 

Rogers, E. J Red Bank, N. J. 

Risdon, Mary B... Mt. Holly, N. J. 

Rusling, J. F Trenton, N. J. 

-Rogers, Stephen Passaic, N. J. 

Ryman, Rev. C Nestfield, N. J. 

Remington, E Illion, N. J. 

Robinson, J. H Trenton, N. J. 

Rule George New Brunswick, N. J. 

Rue, Ed Burlington, N. J. 

Rumsey, J. M Portsmouth, O. 

Rumsey, G. A Salem, N. J. 

*Runyon, J New Brunswick, N. J. 

Rainer, Lewis Ocean Grove, N. J. 

Renohl, Kate A 

Robinson, Rev. W. C Philadelphia. 

Rumsev, Hemy M Salem, N. J. 

Reed, Rev. J. J Port Richmond, S. I. 

^Rogers, Charles Ocean Grove, N. J. 

*Rogers, Susan A 

Rusling, Sarah A Trenton, N. J. 

Rulon, Jane Allentown, N. J. 

*Rogers, Eliz. D Ocean Grove, N. J. 

-Reed, Aron " " " 

Stewart Caroline... New Brunswick, N. J. 
Stewart, Mary J... u " " 

*Shrady, Jacob -. New York. 

*Shrady, William '• 

Shrady, John " 

Saunders, G. B Rah way, N. J. 

Scott, W. E , Brooklyn, N. Y. 

*Scott, William.. 

Stout, R. T Farmingdale, N. J. 

*Solger, Anna B Trenton, N. J. 

-Stephenson, Catharine ..Brooklyn, N. Y. 
*Slocum, Eliz Long Branch. 



$2 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



*Slocum, Eunice Long Branch. 

*Shaw, Harriet J New York. 

*Stokes, Kev. E. H Camden, N. J. 

*Sturdevant, J Wilkesbarre, Pa. 

*Sturdevant, E. J 

*Sissons, Caroline C Lyons, N. Y. 

-Smith, Henry C Xew York. 

Saxe, Ellen M 

*Sickler, C Camden, N. J. 

Smith, S. T ...Waterloo, N. J. 

*Sticknev, L Albanv, X. Y. 

*Skirm, W. H Trenton, K. J. 

Shull, J. G 

*Shallcross, R .Philadelphia. 

-Sheard, Mary " 

Shock, Joseph " 

*Starks, Eev. W. H. L...Xorthville, N.Y. 

^Simmons, Rev. I Xorwalk, Conn. 

Stratton, Rev. R. M Yonkers, X. Y. 

-Smith, Rev. S. H. C Philadelphia. 

-Sappington, T " 

Stephens, Isaac. Harlem, X. Y. 

Speake, Rev. W. F Baltimore 

Spellman, S. R Maniosoneek, X. Y. 

Shreeves, Rev. J. C Ashford, X. Y. 

Strickland, Rev. W. P. CClarksboro, X. J. 

-Stockton, J. B Xew Brunswick, X. J. 

Stetson, D Merchantville, X. J. 

-Shallcross, J Philadelphia. 

Strobridge, Marv Coe Cincinnati. 

*Stokes, Sarah A Camden, X. J. 

^Sheridan, Eliz Xew York. 

Stebbins, Susan B Brooklyn. 

Silvert Leah 

-Street Charles Trenton, X. J. 

Stephenson, J. H 

Sheard, W Philadelphia. 

Stewart, T. J 



Treat, Rev. E. B Xew York. 

^Thompson, T Ocean Grove, X. J. 

Thompson, Elizabeth.. " " " 

*Tucker, Rev. J. T....Glassborough, X. J. 

Taylor, Rev. G. L Xew Haven, Ct. 

-Terlmne, Hannah Xewark, X. J. 

Tomkins, Caroline-Tompkin's Cove, X. Y. 
Throckmorton, Janette C.Eatontown, X. J. 

Thomas, J. R Trenton, X. J. 

-Thornley, J. H Philadelphia. 

Thompson, Gertrude R. W 

-Thomas, Rev. G. C ..Stillwater, X. Y. 

Taylor, Sarah J Philadelphia. 

Turpin, Rev. J. B Glassboro, X. J. 

Thompson, Rev. H. S Elkton, Md. 

Tilton R.. Shark River, X. J. 

-Titus. W. R Trenton, X. J. 

Titus, Francis P 

"Toohig, Esther A Xew York. 

Torrence, Rev. I. H Philadelphia. 

Townsend, A. S Orange, X. Y. 

Traver, Rev. V. X Marlborough, X. Y. 

Thompson, Anna R Philadelphia. 

Tupper, Frank P Xew York. 

Tunison, Eliza Rahway, X. J. 

Treat, Cath H 

Tilton, Rachel Xew York. 

^Thomas, E. S Ocoan Grove, X. J. 

Terhune, Clarissa Ocean Grove, X. J. 

*Yankirk, Anna B... Xew Brunswick, X. J. 
*Vreeland, Elizabeth J... Greenville, X. J. 

^Yannote, G Farmingdale, X. J. 

Yanhorne, Rev. R Jersey City, X. J. 

Yansant, Rev. I. X-Bethel Station Island. 

-Yansiclen, F Xew York. 

Yail Mary J Brooklyn, X. Y. 

Yanness, G Xewark, X. J. 

-Yandoren, Maria C. ..Pennington, X. J. 

-Schaeffer, Amelia M Reading, Pa. Yantassel, R White Ptains, X. Y. 

Sentman, R. A Philadelphia, j Yanburen Emma Farmingdale, X. J. 

Stults, Jacob Long Branch.; -Yandoren Ritie. Pennington, X. J. 

Smith, Hannah Long Branch.! Weston, Mary Xew Yvrk. 



Smith, Louisa Long Branch. 

Smith, Isaac Brooklyn. 

Smith, Caroline J Middletown, Del. 

Starts, G. W 



Williams, S. T Farmingdale, X. J. 

Wright, Dr. J. J Philadelphia. 

"Wyckoffj Lvdia A Ocean Grove, X. J. 

■ Philadelphia. Weed, Rev. B Xewark, X. J. 

Williams, Anna E Farmingdale, X. J. 

White, Uriah Ocean Grove, X. J. 



Selover, F. S Xew Y'ork. 

Slaney, J. M Camden, X. J. 

Slaney, Phebe Camden, X. J. Wood, G. S Haverstraw, X. Y. 

Sanders, Elizabeth B Rahway, X. J. Windsor, G. W Ocean Grove, X. J. 

Souders, Charles C.......Five Points, X. J. Winsor, Joseph " " " 

-Stephenson, Mary A.'Ocean Grove, X. J. j Winsor, John W Princeton, X. J. 

Stephenson, James P Brooklvn, X. Y. Wallace, Rev. A Philadelphia. 

Spellman, M. M. W-~ Rahway, X. J. -Woolston, Rev. B. F... Ocean Grove, X. J. 

-Stevens, Laura Philadelphia. Wood, Isaac Trenton, X. J. 

Smith, AmdaB " " Wood, William 

-Schafter, C. H Reading, Pa. *Wilson, Hannah H..... .Wilmington, Del. 

Stockton, J. H Camden, X. J.-*Wilcock, J Philadelphia. 

*Sarles, H Ocean Grove, X. J. *White, Eliza Brooklvn, X. Y. 

-Treat, Rev. G. W... Rahway, X. J.| Ward, Mary O Xewark, X. J. 

Taylor, E. B Warwick, X. Yj*Ward, Dr. I. M " 



CHARTER AND BY-LAWS. 



83 



Wilhelrn, A Heading, Pa. 

Wittenmyer, A Newark, N. J. 

Walsworth, L Dobbs Ferro, N. Y. 

Weeks, Dewitt C New York. 

*Way, Mrs. A. M...New Brunswick, N. J. 

Warren, Rev. H. W , Brooklyn, N. Y. 

-Williamson, W. V 

Warner, Cath Reading, Pa. 

Whitecar, O. € Philadelphia. 

Walton, W.W...., Hightstown, N. J. 

Walling, Elizabeth " " 

Wilson, Mary E Broadway, N. J. 

Warn, Charles New York. 

Walker, Thomas Philadelphia. 

Winner, Rev. J. O Pennington, N. J. 



Wicken, Mrs. S. B Brooklyn, N. Y. 

Wyckoff, W. H 

Wilson, W. F Ocean Grove, N. J. 

Whitecar, J. E 

*Yard, A. W Trenton, N. J. 

*Yard, W. S 

*Yard, Joseph B 

-Yard, Margaret M " " 

*Yard, Angeline C ..-Philadelphia. 

Yard, Sallie S Trenton, N. J. 

*Yard, Alexander C " " 

Yard, Elyonta H 

*Yard, James S Freehold, N. J. 

* Young, Ellen E Trenton, N. J. 

* Young, Mary A Ocean Grove, N. J. 



Charter & By-Laws of the Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Assort, 

OF THE 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



Recognizing the truth and beauty of the Scripture declaration, "The 
earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof" ; 

And being especially impressed with the propriety of having a portion of the 
land, skirting the sea, consecrated to sacred uses : 

We, whose names are hereunto annexed, with a single eye to the Divine 
glory, and in humble dependence upon our Heavenly Father's aid, do hereby 
solemnly covenant together to use certain land, which has been providentially 
committed to our trust, for these high and holy purposes. 

And we further declare it to be our design to make this a perpetual obla- 
tion upon Christ's altar, enjoining its strict observance upon those who may 
succeed us. And to this end we mutually pledge our Christian honor, adopt- 
ing the following as our Charter and By-Laws : 

CHARTER. 



An Act to Incorporate the Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the 
State of New Jersey, That Ellwood H. Stokes, Ruliff V. Lawrence, George 
Hughes, William B. Osborn, David H. Brown, John S. Inskip, William H. 
Boole, Benjamin M. Adams, Alfred Cookman, Adam Wallace, John H. Stock- 
ton, Aaron E Ballard, William Franklin, Robert J. Andrews, Joseph H. 
Thornly, George W. Evans, Christopher Sickler, George Franklin, Samuel 



84 , OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



T. Williams, William Manahan, John Martin, George W. Cheeseman, James 
Black, Oliver L. Gardner, Gardiner Howland, and William F. Jordan, and 
their successors, are hereby constituted a body, corporate and politic, under the 
name of " The Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Association of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church," for the purpose of providing and maintaining, for the members 
and friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a proper, convenient and de- 
sirable permanent Camp- Meeting ground and Christian sea-side resort. 

Section 2. And be it enacted. That it shall and may be lawful for said 
corporation to purchase and hold real and personal estate, and to acquire such 
lands in this State, in fee simple or otherwise, as they may deem necessary, 
proper or desirable for the purposes and objects of the corporation, and the 
same or any part thereof to dispose of in parcels or otherwise, or in fee simple 
or otherwise, on such terms, conditions, and restrictions, not repugnant to the 
laws of this State, or of the United States, as they may see fit. 

Section 3. And be it enacted, That it shall be lawful for said corporation 
to construct and provide all necessary works to supply the said premises with 
water and artificial light, and to provide all other conveniences and make all 
other improvements which may be deemed necessary or desirable. 

Section 4. And be it enacted, That the affairs of the said corporation shall 
be managed by twenty-six Trustees ; the persons named in the first section of 
this Act shall be the first Trustees of said corporation, and shall hold their 
offices until others are chosen in their stead — they and their successors shall 
be and remain members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in good and reg- 
ular standing. Any Trustee dying, or ceasing to be a member of said Church, 
or being guilty of conduct deemed incompatible with the objects and purposes 
of the corporation, his place may be declared vacant, and a successor duly 
elected by a two-thirds vote, by ballot, of the remaining Trustees present at 
the regular annual meeting of the Association. 

Section 5. And be it enacted. That said Board of Trustees shall from 
their own number elect a President, Secretary, and Treasurer annually, and 
may appoint any other officers of the corporation they may think proper, from 
time to time, and may pass and enforce such By-Laws as they may deem need- 
ful — provided that the same be not repugnant to the Constitution or laws of 
this State or of the United States. 

Section 6. And be it enacted, That the real and personal property of said 
corporation (said property not to exceed in annual value five thousand dollars) 
shall be exempt from all assessment and taxation. Any surplus funds remain- 
ing to the corporation, after defraying the necessary expenses thereof, for im- 
provements, or otherwise, shall be devoted to such charitable, benevolent cr 



CHARTER. 



85 



religious objects or purposes, as may be agreed on by the said Board of Trus- 
tees at their regular annual meeting. 

Section 7. And be it enacted, That said Trustees shall have power to ap- 
point such peace officers as may be deemed necessary for the purpose of keep- 
ing order on the Camp- grounds and premises of the corporation, which offi- 
cers shall be paid by said corporation for their services ; but shall have, when 
on duty, the same power, authority, and immunities which constables and 
other peace-officers under the laws of this State possess or enjoy, when on duty 
as such, and they shall have power to enforce obedience on said grounds and 
premises to any rule or regulation of said Trustees for the preservation of 
quiet and good order. All the provisions of " An Act for Suppressing Vice 
and Im morality," revision approved April fifteenth, eighteen hundred and 
forty-six; and of "An Act to prevent the disturbance of meetings held for 
the purpose of religious worship," passed February second, eighteen hundred 
and twenty, shall apply to all meetings or gatherings held in pursuance of ; 
and under the authority of the corporation hereby created, in all respects. 

Section 8. And be it enacted, That the meetings and religious services 
held on said Camp. ground and premises shall, at all times, be under the di- 
rections of a committee for that purpose, to be appointed by the said Board 
of Trustees at their regular annual meeting. 

Section 9. And be it enacted, That this act shall be considered a public 
act, and shall take effect immediately. 

Approved, March 3, 1870. 



I, Horace N. Congar, Secretary of State of the State of New Jersey, do 
hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of an Aet passed by the Le- 
gislature of this State, and approved by the Governor, the third day of March, 
A. D. 1870, as taken from and compared with the original, now on file in my 
office. 

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and affixed my official 
seal, this fourteenth day of March, eighteen hundred and seventy. 

H. N. Congar. 



86 



OCEAN GROVE, N. J. 



BY-LAWS. 



ARTICLE I — NAME. 

This corporation shall be called The Ocean Grove Camp-Meeting Associa- 
tion of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

ARTICLE II — OBJECTS. 

The objects of this Association shall be to provide for the holding of Camp- 
Meetings for the promotion of Christian holiness rigidly excluding all forms 
of speculation; and to afford to those who would spend a few days or weeks 
at the sea-shore, an opportunity of doing so, at moderate cost, and free from 
the temptations to dissipation usually attendant on fashionable watering places. 

ARTICLE III — MEMBERS. 

This Association shall be composed of those named in the Act of incorpor- 
ation and their successors and associates when duly elected. They shall be 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in good and regular standing. 
Any one dying or ceasing to be a member of the M. E. Church, or being 
guilty of conduct incompatible with the objects and purposes of the Associa- 
tion, his membership may be declared void, and one be elected in his stead by 
a two- thirds vote of the Association present at any regular meeting. 

ARTICLE IV — OFFICERS. 

Section I. The Association, at its annual meeting, shall elect by ballot, a 
President, Vice President. Secretary, Treasurer, and five members, who to- 
gether shall constitute an Executive Committee, haviog full power to act du- 
ring the interim of the regular meetings, and shall hold their offices for one 
year and until successors are duly elected. All the vacancies in the Executive 
Committee occurring by death, resignation or otherwise, shall be filled by the 
remaining members. Four members shall constitute a quorum. 

Section II. The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association 
and Executive Committee, sign all orders on the Treasurer, and present at the 
annual meeting a full report of the operations of the year. In the absence of 
the President, the Vice President shall perform his duties. 

Section III. The Secretary shall keep a record of the proceedings of the 
Association and Executive Committee, in books provided for the purpose, give 



by - Laws. 



due notice of the meetings, and countersign the orders on the Treasurer given 
by the President, and perform such other duties as may from time to time be 
required. 

Section IV. The Treasurer shall have charge of all the funds of the As- 
sociation, and shall disburse the same only on the order of the President, coun- 
tersigned by the Secretary. He shall make a written report at the annual 
meeting, and oftener if required by the Executive Committee. He shall give 
bond, with security, when required. 

Section V. The Executive Committee shall have the oversight of the af- 
fairs of the Association in the interim of its regular meetings, executing the 
orders of the Association ; but shall not purchase, sell or mortgage lands, nor 
contract indebtedness not authorized exceeding the sum of one thousand dol- 
lars,, without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Association present at a 
regular or called meeting. Full minutes of the proceedings of the Committee 
shall be kept, and laid before the Association at its meetings. 

Section VI. The Executive Committee may appoint from their number, or 
from the Association, a Devotional and such Standing or Special Committees, 
from time to time, as may be found necessary. 

Section VII. A Superintendent shall be elected at the annual or other 
meeting of the' Association, or appointed by the Executive Committee, who 
shall have charge of the business interests of the Association, the care of its 
property, and the execution of the plans and orders of the Association or of 
the Executive Committee, employing all agents, sub-officers or laborers which 
may be found needful by the Executive Committee. He shall keep an ac- 
count of all moneys received and disbursed by him, making full reports in 
writing monthly, and laying all bills contracted before the Executive Commit- 
tee or President, with any recommendations which he may have to offer. 

ARTICLE V — LOT-HOLDERS. 

Lots may be leased for ninety-nine years, or less time, subject to renewal if 
none of the conditions have been violated, to parties who may be vouched for 
as of good moral character and in sympathy with the objects of this Associa- 
tion, approved by the President in writing, subject to such rules and regula- 
tions as may be adopted by the Association or Executive Committee, from 
time to time. All transfers of lots shall be subject to the approval of the 
President, written or endorsed on the lease, and sball be duly recorded on the 
Lot-Books of the Association. Lots shall only be used or occupied as private 
residences from the fifteenth day of May until the thirtieth day of October of 
each year, except in special cases for the general convenience, to be allowed in 
each case by the action of the Association or Executive Committee, under such 
rules and conditions as may generally or specially be prescribed. 



88 



OCEAN GROVE, N. j. 



ARTICLE VI — MEETINGS. 

Section I. The annual meeting of the Association shall be held on the 
second Tuesday of October in each year — and a semi-annual meeting on the 
second Tuesday in May. Eleven members shall constitute a quorum. 

Section II. Special meetings of the Association may be held at the call 
of the President, or when requested by at least three members, upon the same 
notice to members which is required for the annual meeting. 

Section III. The Camp-Meetings held under the auspices of this Associ- 
ation, shall be under the supervision of the Executive Committee : provided, 
that under no circumstances shall the grounds be open to the public on the 
Sabbath, nor shall any privileges be granted for any thing not deemed neces- 
sary by said Committee. 

Section IV. Any officer absenting himself from two regular meetings of 
the Association or Executive Committee, his place may be declared vacant un- 
less a valid excuse be rendered, and the vacancy filled by the Executive Com- 
mittee until the next annual election. 

Section V. Any member absenting himself from two regular meetings of 
the Association without valid excuse given, a vacancy may be declared, and his 
place filled. 

article vii — order of business. 
At all the stated meetings, the order of business shall be — 

1. Singing and Prayer. 

2. Calling of the Roll. 

3. Reading and Approving the Minutes of Previous Meetings. 

4. Reports of Committees. 

5. Reports from Officers. 

6. Miscellaneous Business. 

7. Prayer and Adjournment. 

article viii — amendments. 
These By-Laws may be altered or amended by a vote of three-fourths of 
the Association present at a stated meeting. 





ITS ORIGIN AND PROGRESS 




WESLEY LAKE, 
From Turnpike, looking toward the Sea. 



PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE ASSOCIATION. 



U 1B74. 



1) 



- v 0F CONGRESS 

MP 



